TEAM COOPER

About this campaign

Cooper was born two weeks early and was in and out of the hospital with jaundice. At his 2 month checkup he was diagnosed with Aniridia a genetic eye disorder and possibly WAGR Syndrome.  WAGR Syndrome held the potential for aggressive Wilms tumors, Aniridia, Genital malformation and even mental Retardation.  The only thing we could positively rule out was the genital malformation. Cooper has been getting ultrasounds every 3-6 months his whole life, precautionary screening for these tumors. January 2015 our worst fears were confirmed when we noticed massive swelling of his genitals during a diaper change.

After taking him to the local ER he was rushed by ambulance to the PICU at MCV with a Wilms Tumor 7" long on one of his kidneys.  The swelling of his genitals was due to a hernia caused by the weight and pressure of the tumor. He had surgery two days later to remove the tumor and one kidney. Within 10 days of such a massive surgery he started chemotherapy treatments which he will have to continue weekly for 22 weeks.

But none of that defines Cooper.  He is sunlight and mischief, laughter and joy, hugs and cuddles. He is willful and stubborn, courageous and strong.  He is the force of a tornado one moment and then the whisper of the wind the next.  Until recently.

I can talk about his love for his big family. His 3 brothers and 2 sisters, and how he lights up each time they come home. How loud he cheers watching the older ones play sports or his little brother stacking blocks.  Or how he runs to his dad each night he comes in the door from work.

Now he's withdrawn and shy. He's nervous and unsure. He dreads taking his countless medicines and panics at the sight of someone in scrubs.  Chemo therapy has changed everything, he's fighting for his life and it shows.

You can help by showing your support for cooper and his family.