Cooper turned 2 years old on July 25, 2009. During the prior three months Cooper had sporadically complained that his neck hurt after he would do physical activities such as running, jumping or being tickled. He would complain about his neck but once he rested for a few seconds his neck pain would subside and off he would go!
Elise and her motherly instinct continued to monitor him closely and took him to the pediatrician and a number of specialists in an attempt to figure out the issue. During an MRI they found a tumor on the base of Cooper’s brain approximately the size of a golf ball. Cooper was admitted to Duke University and had surgery on August 20, 2009. The surgery lasted nearly 12-hours from start to finish...and that’s just the beginning of the journey.
Over the past year, Cooper’s complex treatment plan has continued with regular MRIs, multiple hospitalizations and lengthy trips for radiation therapy in Boston. He continues to be an inspiration to many with his positive attitude, perseverance and contagious smile as he battles cancer. His family is making a lasting impact on other families dealing with similar hardships through Super Cooper’s Little Red Wagon Foundation.