Ohio Girl, 11, Receives Life-Saving Heart Transplant After 200 Days in Hospital

An 11-year-old girl from Ohio has returned home after undergoing a life-saving heart transplant, following more than 200 days in the hospital. The case highlights the challenges of pediatric heart failure treatment and the critical role of organ donation.

Ava Cooper, a student who had battled congenital heart defects since birth, received her transplant at Cleveland Clinic Children’s in March 2025. The procedure marked a turning point after months of medical setbacks and extended hospitalization.

According to hospital officials, Ava was born with multiple defects, including a ventricular septal defect, an obstructed pulmonary valve, and her heart positioned on the opposite side of her chest. She underwent her first surgery at just six days old and had four open-heart surgeries by age five.

Her health stabilized until the summer of 2024, when she developed symptoms of heart failure. Cleveland Clinic pediatric cardiologists Dr. Gerard Boyle and Dr. Madeleine Townsend determined that further surgeries would not sustain her long-term health. They placed her on the transplant list.

“Getting Ava a heart transplant was her best option,” Townsend explained, emphasizing the goal of long-term quality of life.

During her 200-day stay, Ava adapted to life in the hospital, relying on oxygen and a feeding tube while continuing school remotely. Her family transformed her hospital room into a more livable space, complete with a fridge, entertainment devices, and personal belongings. Despite medical challenges, Ava participated in holidays and even celebrated a father-daughter dance organized by staff when she could not attend the event at her school.

In March 2025, the long-awaited call came. Ava’s mother, Jamie Cooper, recalled her daughter’s excitement: “She wasn’t nervous the day of her transplant. She walked into the operating room proud and ready.”

Ava’s heart surgeon, Dr. Hani Najm, described the procedure as giving her “a new lease on life,” noting significant advances in pediatric transplant outcomes in recent years. By April, Ava had recovered enough to return home.

Her mother reported steady improvement since surgery. Initially reliant on a wheelchair and wagon, Ava has regained strength and now participates in regular childhood activities, from chasing her younger sister to playing outdoors.

“She gets to be a kid, and being a ‘normal’ kid is what she wants to be,” Jamie said.

The Cooper family expressed gratitude to the donor family and hopes to one day meet them. They also underscored the importance of organ donation, with Jamie stating, “Without organ donation, we would not have Ava.”

Medical experts note that pediatric organ donation remains limited, making Ava’s successful transplant both rare and significant. The family’s experience draws attention to the broader need for awareness and participation in organ donation programs.

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