The emotional call of the 11-year-old about heart transplant surgery is going viral
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An Ohio girl, Ava Cooper, received a life-saving heart transplant at the age of 11, bringing hope and joy to her family.
Born with multiple heart defects in 2014, Ava underwent her first open-heart surgery at just 6 days old, according to SWNS.
After facing various health challenges, Ava’s condition worsened in May 2024, leading to heart failure caused by a sinus infection.
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Doctors placed Ava on the transplant list, recognizing that a new heart was her only chance for survival.
“Heart transplants are crucial for children with severe heart issues,” as noted by Johns Hopkins Medicine. “These children rely on a new heart for their survival.”
Ava Cooper spent over 200 days at Cleveland Clinic awaiting a donor heart. (SWNS)
Heart transplants involve replacing a malfunctioning heart with a healthy organ from a donor, typically a critically ill adult or child.
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After spending more than 200 days at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, Ava’s family received the long-awaited news in March 2025.
Her mother, Jamie Cooper, shared the life-changing update with Ava’s father, Sean Cooper, who was at home with their younger daughter.
Ava Cooper underwent her first open-heart surgery at just 6 days old. (SWNS)
During a video call, Ava excitedly told her father, “Daddy, I got a heart.”
“Oh my God… Oh my God, Ava,” Sean reacted emotionally, as reported by SWNS.
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The heart transplant, performed by pediatric surgeon Dr. Hani Najm, took place later that month.
Sean Cooper and his daughter, Ava, celebrate her successful heart transplant. (SWNS)
Reflecting on the experience, Ava told SWNS, “I was so excited and couldn’t believe it actually happened.”
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After eight months in the hospital, Ava was finally discharged and able to return home, marking a significant milestone in her journey.
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“The moment Ava said, ‘I got a heart,’ was overwhelming,” Sean shared. “After everything she went through, we were one step closer to bringing her home for good.”
