Ava Cooper, a 10-year-old girl born with multiple heart defects, missed her school’s annual father-daughter dance while awaiting a heart transplant at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital in Ohio. Born in 2014, Ava underwent her first open-heart surgery just six days after birth. A severe sinus infection later led to heart failure, placing her on the transplant list. Despite spending over 200 days in the hospital, Ava’s spirit remained unbroken.
Every February, Ava eagerly anticipated the father-daughter dance, but this year, her hospitalization prevented her from attending. Determined to make the moment special, the hospital staff transformed a room into a vibrant dance hall on February 12. Ava’s father, Sean, waited outside her room with a corsage, ready to escort her to the makeshift ball. As Ava entered the valentine-themed space, caregivers greeted her with applause.
Together, Ava and Sean danced to a playlist of her favorite songs, curated by a music therapist. The event was deeply moving for Sean, who described it as “an unforgettable experience.” He expressed gratitude to Ava’s care team for creating such a memorable moment. Sean also reflected on the joy of being a “girl dad,” saying it inspires him to be better.