Hospital Staff Creates Magical Dance for Father and Daughter

Quick Smiles:

• Ava Cooper’s hospital staff created a magical father-daughter dance for her.
• Despite her medical challenges, Ava enjoyed a special evening with her dad.
• The event was made memorable with decorations, music, and heartfelt support.

Ava Cooper, a spirited ten-year-old, has spent over 200 days at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital in Ohio, waiting for a heart transplant. Born in 2014 with multiple heart defects, Ava has faced numerous medical challenges, including undergoing her first open-heart surgery at just six days old. A sinus infection eventually led to heart failure, and she is now on the transplant list.

Each February, Ava eagerly anticipated the father-daughter dance at her school. Unfortunately, this year, her hospital stay meant she couldn’t attend. However, the compassionate hospital staff had a delightful surprise in store for her.

On February 12, they transformed a room into a charming dance hall, complete with Valentine-themed decorations. Ava’s father, Sean, stood outside her room, corsage in hand, ready to escort his daughter to the special event.

As Ava entered the decorated space, caregivers, who have become like family, greeted her with enthusiastic applause. The atmosphere was filled with joy as Ava and her father danced to a playlist of her favorite songs, thoughtfully curated by one of the hospital’s music therapists.

“It was an unforgettable experience,” Sean shared, expressing his gratitude to the care team for orchestrating such a meaningful occasion.

“We can’t thank Ava’s care team, and everyone involved, enough for making this such a special dance.”

Sean also reflected on the privilege of being a father to Ava, saying, “I’m grateful to be a girl dad. It means being inspired to always be better.”

This touching moment is a testament to the incredible impact of kindness and creativity in uplifting spirits during challenging times.

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