{"id":389,"date":"2026-05-14T23:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cota.org\/cotaforevelynsheart\/?p=389"},"modified":"2026-05-18T13:09:02","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T13:09:02","slug":"soaking-up-the-last-bits-of-sun-and-fun-before-surgery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cota.org\/cotaforevelynsheart\/2026\/05\/14\/soaking-up-the-last-bits-of-sun-and-fun-before-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"Soaking up the last bits of sun and fun before surgery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Today was another good day for Evelyn. \"\ud83d\udc9c\"\"\ud83d\udc99\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She stepped outside for the first time in a week and a half. We were only able to go out for about 30 minutes due to staffing issues, but it meant everything to her. The adjustment from being able to freely leave the unit and walk wherever in the hospital, to now having to ask permission to bring my child outside or even off the unit, has been a big one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evelyn played with bubbles and ran around the courtyard with her pole while the nurse tried to keep up with her \u2014 it honestly made me laugh. I hope she keeps that same energy and spirit after she heals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tonight I told Evelyn she could request absolutely anything she wanted for dinner. She chose for me to make her my homemade chicken alfredo \"\ud83e\udd79\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We ended the night with one last round on the wiggle car since she won\u2019t be able to ride it again until after transplant, followed by cuddles and a movie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tomorrow is surgery day. If you have Hearts for Evelyn gear, we ask that you wear it tomorrow in support of her. If you don\u2019t have any, please wear purple and blue \u2014 Evelyn\u2019s favorite colors. \"\ud83d\udc9c\"\"\ud83d\udc99\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surgery is expected to begin around 7:30 tomorrow morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please continue praying for our brave girl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
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\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

How You Can Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We’re getting ready for the big fundraiser garage sale for COTA for Evelyn’s Heart! Thank you to everyone who has donated items to the garage sale and reached out to help celebrate Evelyn’s birthday!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Garage Sale Details:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

June 4-6
Location: 7040 Eagle Trail, Centerville, MN
Time: Thurs. and Fri. 8am to 5pm
Sat. 8am to 12pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click Here to Donate Now<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get your “Hearts for Evelyn” T-Shirt<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join our “Hearts for Evelyn” Facebook Group<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes our partnership with COTA so great is that they will be with Evelyn throughout her lifetime. Every dollar donated to COTA in honor of Evelyn goes to transplant-related expenses. Thank you for being here with us for Evelyn.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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