“Daddy, I’m Getting a Heart” 11-Year-Old Girl’s Emotional Call Before Life-Saving Transplant
It was the moment that left a father speechless and a family overwhelmed with gratitude. Eleven-year-old Ava Cooper picked up the phone, called her dad, and said the words that changed everything:
“Daddy, I’m getting a heart.”
A Journey Marked by Struggle and Hope
Ava, born on July 1, 2014, in Akron, Ohio, entered the world with multiple severe heart defects. At just six days old, she underwent her first open-heart surgery. Her childhood has been anything but ordinary—defined by medical challenges, endless hospital visits, and the constant hope for a miracle.
In May 2024, a simple sinus infection spiraled into heart failure. Ava’s condition worsened, and doctors placed her on the transplant list. She would go on to spend more than 200 days at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, waiting for the phone call that could save her life.
The Call That Changed Everything
That life-saving moment finally arrived in March 2025. Ava’s mom, Jamie Cooper, 39, received the news first: a donor heart was available. With tears in her eyes, she shared the miracle with her daughter. Ava couldn’t wait another second—she dialed her father, Sean Cooper, 39, a car dealer who was at home with their younger daughter.
Her voice trembled, but her words were clear:
“Daddy, I’m getting a heart.”
Sean later recalled:
“Hearing Ava say those words was overwhelming. After everything she had endured, we were finally one step closer to bringing her home.”
A Miracle in the Operating Room
The transplant was performed later that month by world-renowned pediatric and congenital heart surgeon Dr. Hani Najm. After a grueling eight-month stay in the hospital, Ava was finally able to return home to her family—her spirit stronger than ever.
Ava shared:
“I was so excited and couldn’t believe it was actually happening.”
A Story of Resilience, Love, and Community
Ava’s journey is more than just a medical triumph—it’s a testament to resilience, love, and the power of hope. From the unwavering support of her parents to the dedication of her medical team, every moment led to this second chance at life.
As the family looks ahead, they remain deeply grateful—to the donor family who made the ultimate sacrifice, to the doctors who never gave up, and to the community who prayed for Ava’s recovery.
For Sean and Jamie, nothing will ever top the moment they heard their daughter say the words that changed everything:
“I’m getting a heart.” 💕
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