2 LI Siblings With Heart Transplants Head To School: 'Little Warriors'

WADING RIVER, NY — Just like children across Long Island and the nation everywhere, Ruby Cotter and her little brother Everett — affectionately called "Buddy" by his family — posed for first-day-of-school photos recently, Ruby grinning as she boarded the big yellow bus.

All was blessedly normal for the Cotter family — something the children's parents Brian and Ashley Cotter will never take for granted: Both their children have received life-saving heart transplants.

"We're always grateful for these moments," Brian wrote on Facebook along with the first-day-of-school photos. "Grateful they have the opportunity to grow and learn and live their lives. They have come such a long way. We couldn’t be happier for them. So proud."

Speaking with Patch, Brian expressed just how much the little moments mean simply everything. "We are just so proud of our little warriors. There were times in the past where the future was so uncertain. We didn’t know what would happen," he said.

Brian added: "Fast forward to us watching Ruby get on the bus to kindergarten. She walked up the steps to the bus and waved goodbye with a smile. Conquering her fears as usual. Her brother by her side, watching her pave the way. It’s just as unbelievable experience to be their father. I am so lucky to watch my children overcome and persevere. Every moment is a moment that almost didn’t happen — and we are in a constant state of gratitude."

It has been almost five years since a baby's Christmas miracle captured the hearts of a community: Ruby June Cotter received her life-saving new heart just before Christmas in 2019.

Brian reflected on the day Ruby received her transplant. "She was just six months old. It’s hard to relive the emotions of that day. Being happy and relieved, but also terrified. Not to mention the sadness of knowing a family lost their baby. Although we celebrate her heart day once a year like a birthday, we think about Ruby’s donor every day. We are so lucky to have her. She’s so funny and so smart. An old, sensitive soul. An amazing big sister and just an overall sweetheart."

The Cotter family has seen unthinkable challenges. Two years after Ruby received her heart transplant, they were told their second child, Everett, who was turning a year old, also needed a new heart.

But in 2022, it was a Christmas miracle, times two, for the Wading River parents. Their two children both continued thriving after life-saving heart transplants. And to make the season even more meaningful — 2022 marked the first time all four were home together, and not in the hospital, for Christmas.

"Our true Christmas miracles," Brian Cotter wrote on Facebook. "We are forever grateful."