For more than 200 days, 11-year-old Ava Cooper called a hospital room at Cleveland Clinic Children’s her home, waiting for the call that would change her life forever. Born with multiple heart defects and having endured four open-heart surgeries by age five, Ava’s only chance for survival was a heart transplant after a simple sinus infection spiraled into heart failure. Her family worked tirelessly to create magical moments during their long hospital stay, celebrating holidays in her room and even organizing a father-daughter dance when she couldn’t attend her school’s event. The dedicated medical team supported not just Ava’s physical needs, but helped preserve the precious childhood moments that make life worth living.
When the long-awaited call finally came in March, Dr. Madeleine Townsend whispered the incredible news in Ava’s ear and encouraged her to share the moment with her father. With tears of joy streaming down her face, Ava picked up the phone and delivered four words that would echo in her father’s heart forever: “Daddy, I’m getting a heart.” The successful transplant gave Ava not just a new heart, but a new lease on life, allowing her to return home after eight months to reunite with her beloved dog Rocky and create new memories with her family. Today, Ava’s new heart beats strong, proving that sometimes the longest waits lead to the most beautiful miracles.