Baby Who Had Christmas Heart Transplant Grows Stronger Every Day

WADING RIVER, NY — With the world still grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, there's one 10-month old baby girl in Wading River whose entire life has been spent in quarantine after she received a miracle Christmas heart transplant.

But despite the challenges, Ruby June Cotter is a happy little girl who's growing stronger every day.

Ruby's father Brian Cotter spoke with Patch about how he and his wife Ashley are handling the stay-at-home order.

"We have been hunkered down like everyone else but it really was not much of a change for us. Ruby's immune system is still very weak," he said. "She is doing well so we don't go to city as much to keep the risk of exposure down. She recently had her monthly biopsy and the results were great."

Currently, he said, they bring Ruby to New York every other week just to get her blood checked, and "to make sure her medication is still doing the right thing," he said. "She is growing fast, so adjustments are normal. Even without going to her physical and occupational therapy appointments and her speech and swallow appointments, she is still making improvements."

Ruby, he said, is almost crawling, and eating lots of adult food. "She has one tooth and is working on another. She says 'Mama' and 'Dada,' along with other noises. Ruby is really just a happy baby. She's a character and makes us laugh all the time," he said.

On Saturday, Ruby sat up by herself for the first time, a huge milestone, he said.

Navigating coronavirus isn't easy for anyone but with an infant who's just had a heart transplant, the need for vigilance is critical, Cotter said.

"This virus is scary and would be terrible for her, but in our town everyone is being careful and it brings us comfort when we have to go out to go food shopping," Cotter said. "Everyone is wearing masks and being just as careful as we are."

In some ways, Cotter said, because he and his wife were taking great care even before the pandemic, the changes to their day to day lives have not been major.

But, he said, there are moments missed due to the new social distancing protocols. "We would have started exploring a little more if it wasn't for the virus. The major disappointment for us is that Ruby was just starting to get to know her grandparents," he said. "They were finally able to hold her and play with her. They are still working, so they can't visit anymore and that is sad. Everyone is struggling with this 'new normal.'"

That said, his smiling little girl is a ray of sunshine, a harbinger of hope during very difficult days. And she is a tangible reminder of why the social distancing saves lives, Cotter said.

"I think Ruby reminds people that there is a reason to stay in," Cotter said. "There are plenty of people out there with health problems and we need to protect them. My wife and I are used to the isolation at this point and it's understandable how hard it might be for some people to be so isolated — but it is for a good reason."

It's been almost four months since Ruby got her life-saving new heart just before Christmas — and despite some challenges, her grateful parents say their daughter is happy and continuing to amaze them with her progress.

Since news broke about Baby Ruby's plight, communities near and far have held her close in their hearts — and prayed for her recovery. A GoFund Me page, "Ruby June Cotter," organized by Angela Albergo Houlihan, has raised more than $113,000 so far.

But challenges still lie ahead.

"The fight isn't over for Ruby. It will be a lifelong battle. Getting a heart wasn't a cure — but more like a trade. She will be on medication that suppresses her immune system her whole life. She is 70 percent more at risk for skin cancer," Cotter said. "She will have to wear a mask in public and we, as parents, will have to teach her how to avoid getting sick, and germs from people. And eventually, hopefully a long time from now, she will need another heart."

Despite the rough road, there have been many blessings, Cotter said.

"My wife and I always talk about how incredible people are. In our souls we are good. People come together and rally when someone is in need and it's beautiful. It's not just from our little Wading River town, either — people from all over the country are offering help. We truly love you all so much and could never thank you enough," Cotter said.

DOCS: The Kids' Hospital at Christmas - Ep.1