WADING RIVER, NY — A 6-month-old girl who got a life-saving new heart just before Christmas is flourishing, and her grateful parents are thanking the army of warriors who came together to support their daughter, whose fight is far from over.

"For the first time in 4 months I am not attached to anything. . . I take all my medications like a big girl. I can wear pants, I can leave my crib . . . Look out world, nothing is holding me back now," a updated post on a GoFund Me page, "Ruby June Cotter," organized by Angela Albergo Houlihan, said. The page has raised more than $107,000 so far. Since news broke about Baby Ruby's plight, communities near and far have held her close in their hearts — and prayed for her recovery.

In an interview with Patch, Brian Cotter shared the news this weekend of Ruby's extraordinary progress after the surgery: "Ruby is doing very well," he said, with all IVs removed. Because he has been sick and didn't want to put her at risk, he left the hospital Wednesday and plans to return Sunday night. "She's been taking all her medication by mouth," he said.

Courtesy Cotter family. Ruby and her parents Brian and Ashley Cotter.

The good news followed the baby's heart transplant, which came just in time for Christmas. "Today I am receiving an early Christmas present," a post from Ruby June Cotter said, on her father's Facebook page in December. "A heart has arrived for me. It will be a very long surgery and the results might be a little unpredictable but we are so thankful for this beautiful gift. The next part of my journey starts today. My family and I are thankful for all of your love and support. We love you. Please continue praying and sending love for the wonderful family who offered me this gift of life."

"The fight isn't over for Ruby"

But while Ruby's fortunes changed for the better, challenges still lie ahead.

"Unfortunately she's using the NG, or nasogastric, tube to eat. Open-heart surgery and being intubated twice in 10 days can be hard on the throat, and the nerves that help swallow. Hopefully, we get to come home soon," he said.

He and his wife will be driving with Ruby to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital two days a week for checkups for a while, Cotter said. "The fight isn't over for Ruby. It will be a lifelong battle. Getting a heart wasn't a cure — but more like a trade. She will be on medication that suppresses her immune system her whole life. She is 70 percent more at risk for skin cancer," Cotter said. "She will have to wear a mask in public and we, as parents, will have to teach her how to avoid getting sick, and germs from people. And eventually, hopefully a long time from now, she will need another heart."