COTA for Roya's Hope

02/28/2026

03/02/2025

02/28/2025

This past year we had more than our fair share of setbacks and miracles. To anyone who is questioning their faith or sanity, hang in there, it will get better. As I write this Roya is singing in the bath, giving it her all; her best Lizzo, “I’m not the girl I was or used to be, but I might be better… I’m gonna be ok.” She has been through hell and back this year and I’m inspired by her grit to be my grittiest, and inspired by her love to be the sweetest mom that I can to her. Today marks one year into her new life with this beautiful heart. She has been weaning off of her meds, from 26 different medications a day at first, to about eight. She has learned to downhill ski and loves to go fast, flying down the hill and scaring her daddy. She recently went to a sleepover camp for heart warriors at Camp Odayin and bravely got on the bus without looking back at us. This is amazing as just this past spring when we returned home from Rochester she was still scared to be alone in her room without a parent. She is checking off the experiences that she longed for while in the hospital; we’ve booked trips and campgrounds, had sleepovers, she was a ring bearer in a wedding, went to the theatre, and so just much laughter and dancing. We also wrote a thank you letter to her heart donor’s family for their gift of life and Roya drew and sent pictures of the different angels that she imagines her donor could be. We have not heard back from them and may not ever, but we will continue to be grateful for their selflessness during very a difficult time. Thank you all so much for your love and support. We couldn’t have done this without your kindness. Thanks SO MUCH to all who sent Roya the heartiversary cards! I’m not sure how this came about or who to thank for putting it in motion but Roya is so excited to open them!

06/21/2024

05/21/2024

https://www.wdio.com/front-page/top-stories/walk-for-royas-hope-fundraiser-supporting-her-recovery-and-family/

On Saturday, May 13th the Walk for Roya's Hope fundraiser was held to support Roya and family after a full recovery from a heart transplant.

05/09/2024

Wednesday Roya Snyder finally made her way back home for the first time since surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

05/03/2024

Check out this great interview!! Come join us at the walk!

https://www.wdio.com/front-page/top-stories/sign-up-to-support-a-little-girl-who-is-growing-stronger-daily-with-a-new-heart

A little girl from Duluth is recovering from a heart transplant, and her friends are rallying around her with a walk coming up on the 18th

05/03/2024

Today, Thurs, May 2nd is the registration deadline for the Walk for Roya to guarantee a t-shirt for the walk! Child and adult shirt sizes available. See a sneak peek of the shirts below.

Please join us at a family-friendly walk to support Roya's recovery from her heart transplant surgery! We're so excited to gather as a community on May 18th to show our love for this sweet girl!! ❤️

Registration link:
https://cota.org/cotaforroyashope/events/walk-cota-for-royas-hope/

Thank you to the many, many sponsors who have already contributed! ❤️

A young member of our community, Roya Snyder, a 1st grader at Lester Park Elementary, recently received a life-saving heart transplant in February. However, the transplant journey is not over for this sweet 7-year-old. Throughout Roya’s lifetime, she will need numerous follow-up clinic visits, ant...

05/03/2024

COTA For Roya's Hope Walk would like to say thank you to the generous Silver Sponsors! We are overwhelmed with outpouring of support for Roya! We are grateful for these amazing local supporters!

05/03/2024

COTA For Roya's Hope Walk would like to say the biggest thank you to the Heart of Gold Sponsors! We are grateful beyond measure for your generosity for Roya! Thanks for having a true heart of gold!

05/03/2024

COTA For Roya's Hope Walk would like to thank our amazing bronze sponsors! We are forever grateful for your support!