What a difference a year makes. Roya Snyder, who is a spunky 1st grader in Duluth, has more energy than ever.

That’s thanks to a new heart, which she received on Leap Day this year at Mayo Clinic.

“It’s intense to think that at one point, she had her chest opened and had her heart removed, and a new one put in,” her dad, Derek, told us. “And to know that some family had a worse tragedy happen to them, and to be able to give us that gift.”

Last May, Roya suffered a cardiac event while coming home from kindergarten. It’s been a tough year, but now things are looking up. She has Doxie Honey, her Make-a-Wish dog. And she’s loving playing all kinds of sports and riding her bike.

The Snyders are still down in Rochester, per the rules of staying there after 90 days of the surgery, but plan on being back in Duluth soon.

Her friends continue to rally around her.

There is a Family Walk benefiting COTA for Roya on Saturday, May 18th. It starts at Duluth East, and will include family friendly activities.

COTA stands for Children’s Organ Transplant Association.

Maren Webb is a volunteer and friend. “Roya’s such a special kid in our community,” she told us. “Lester Park Elementary has really shown the love as well. Many of us have gotten to know her through the school.”

It’s $25 for an individual, and $50 for family, and all proceeds go to Roya’s family.

They are so grateful for it all.

Mya, Roya’s mom, said, “I don’t know what we would have done without the presence that surrounded us. All the kindness, and gestures and donations. These are going to stick with her for life.”

To register: https://cota.org/cotaforroyashope/events/walk-cota-for-royas-hope/

To donate now: https://cota.org/cotaforroyashope/