{"id":463,"date":"2026-06-25T13:39:35","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T13:39:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cota.org\/cotaforevelynsheart\/?p=463"},"modified":"2026-07-06T13:41:07","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T13:41:07","slug":"first-time-outside-in-42-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cota.org\/cotaforevelynsheart\/2026\/06\/25\/first-time-outside-in-42-days\/","title":{"rendered":"First Time Outside in 42 Days"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

After 42 days, Evelyn finally got to go outside for some fresh air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the challenges with the Berlin Heart is that it can only be unplugged for about 30 minutes at a time. Thankfully, we were able to plug into an outdoor outlet, which meant we could stay outside for almost two hours. It still amazes me that my little girl has to be plugged into a machine just to stay alive. It’s something I’ll never get used to, but we’re so grateful for every opportunity to give her moments like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We soaked up the sunshine, enjoyed the breeze, and just lived for a little while. Evelyn sat quietly watching the water fountain for nearly 20 minutes, completely mesmerized. When you’ve spent so many days surrounded by hospital walls, something as simple as flowing water feels magical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We ordered pizza and had a little picnic, made crafts outside, and were even joined by our friend Alyssa for a visit. It felt so good to share a piece of normal life together. Later that evening, we decorated fruit pizzas, took a walk around the unit, and ended the night with popcorn and a movie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some days don’t bring huge medical milestones, but they bring something just as important, joy, fresh air, laughter, and memories. Today was one of those days.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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

A big thank you to all who have donated to COTA for Evelyn\u2019s Heart. Because we raised over $100k within our first 6 months of fundraising, we have earned the $10k challenge grant through COTA! We are so grateful for how our community has rallied for Evelyn in every way and helped us reach this milestone. We literally could not do this without you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THANK YOU!<\/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":"

After 42 days, Evelyn finally got to go outside for some fresh air. One of the challenges with the Berlin Heart is that it can only be unplugged for about 30 minutes at a time. Thankfully, we were able to plug into an outdoor outlet, which meant we could stay outside for almost two hours. 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