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One of the highlights for young girls in elementary school is the annual father-daughter dance. Not only is it an opportunity to get dressed up and get grooving, it's a special time for daughters to be celebrated by their dads and make new memories together. And for 10-year-old Ava Cooper, who has been in the hospital for more than 200 days awaiting a heart transplant, her mom Jamie and Cleveland Clinic Children's made sure she didn't miss out on the special occasion with her dad, Sean. They put together a surprise daddy-daughter dance in the hospital just for them, and the emotional video was shared on Instagram.

"There wasn’t a dry eye in the room, when 10-year-old Ava Cooper and her dad, Sean, danced forehead to forehead during an unforgettable father-daughter dance. Ava says, 'My dad is like having the best friend a girl could ask for'," the post's caption reads.

@clevelandclinic

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room, when 10-year-old Ava Cooper and her dad, Sean, danced forehead to forehead during an unforgettable father-daughter dance. Ava says, “My dad is like having the best friend a girl could ask for.” Ava has been in the hospital for more than 200 days, waiting for a donor heart. When one of our child life specialists on the unit learned Ava typically attends a father-daughter dance this time of year at her school, she suggested recreating the experience in the hospital. First, caregivers decorated the hospital room turned dance hall with floor-to-ceiling heart shaped streamers, party lights and balloons. Next up was welcoming the guests of honor. Ava’s mom, Jamie, did hair and makeup to complement Ava’s flowy pink dress. Corsage in hand, Sean was waiting for Ava outside her room. Ava is connected to a ventricular assist device called a Berlin Heart. It helps her heart pump blood throughout her body. Since it can only be disconnected for 30 minutes a day, the medical team helped transport her to the dance room safely. Greeted into the space with a round of applause from caregivers who are more like family, Ava and her father danced to a curated playlist of her favorite songs created by one of the music therapists. Sean says it was one of the most impactful moments of his life with Ava, rivaled only by her birth. Ava’s favorite memory is the slow dance with Sean. Funds to support the event came from a Cleveland Clinic Catalyst Grant designated to personalize legacy experiences for children with complex, chronic illnesses. Ava was born with several congenital heart defects. She had her first open-heart surgery at 6 days old. By the time she turned 5, Ava had undergone a total of four open-heart surgeries. In May 2024, a sinus infection escalated, pushing her into heart failure. It ultimately prompted her to be listed for a heart transplant. Jamie says Ava’s heart journey has been challenging, but Ava has always been and continues to be a fighter.

In the video, Ava is seen showing off her pastel pink dress while getting ready in her room. Ava's mom, Jamie, helped do her hair and makeup. Then she is seen walking out of her room, where her dad meets her with a corsage and matching boutonniere. They walk down the hallway together, cheered on by hospital staff, and Sean is overcome with emotion, wiping away tears.

It was a small act that required lots of planning. "Ava is connected to a ventricular assist device called a Berlin Heart. It helps her heart pump blood throughout her body. Since it can only be disconnected for 30 minutes a day, the medical team helped transport her to the dance room safely," the caption explained.

Once they arrived in a specially decorated dance room by hospital staff, which was complete with floor-to-ceiling heart shaped streamers, party lights, and balloons, the party began. "Ava and her father danced to a curated playlist of her favorite songs created by one of the music therapists," which included a mix of upbeat and slower tunes.

gif of Dad and daughter dancing in the living roomFathers Day Dance GIFGiphy

Cleveland Clinic Children's shared more about Ava's condition: "Ava was born with several congenital heart defects. She had her first open-heart surgery at 6 days old," they explained. "By the time she turned 5, Ava had undergone a total of four open-heart surgeries. In May 2024, a sinus infection escalated, pushing her into heart failure. It ultimately prompted her to be listed for a heart transplant."

Following the dance, Ava and her parents shared their favorite memories from it. Sean shared that it was "one of the most impactful moments of his life with Ava, rivaled only by her birth." For Ava, her favorite memory was the slow dance she got with her dad. Ava's mom Jamie also shared that, "Ava’s heart journey has been challenging, but Ava has always been and continues to be a fighter."

gif of man handing someone a box of tissuesBilly Crystal Crying GIF by MOODMANGiphy

Ava's special daddy-daughter dance was made possible thanks to funding via a Cleveland Clinic Catalyst Grant, designated to personalize legacy experiences for children with complex, chronic illnesses.

The video received emotional reactions from viewers:

"Sending prayers for a donor to be found soon ❤️ May God bless you sweet Ava!" one wrote.

Another added, "This is just absolutely wonderful. Best wishes and love 🫶."

Another viewer commented, "So beautiful❤️."

Beautiful indeed!

heart transplanthospitalemotional videodancesurprisedaughtermomdadheartwarmingheart condition

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