Cooper turned 23 in April, and a month later he began suffering from seizures. After getting the first MRI of many, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Cooper was at the Mayo Clinic most days up until his brain surgery on July 20th. When he woke up, he had unexpected side effects and had removal of impulse control as well as paralysis on his left side. Three days after surgery, he was transported to a rehabilitation center. His second day there he was forgotten and left unattended and unmoved until after he had begun seizing again that evening. He was rushed back to Mayo where they discovered he had a blood clot in his brain as well as a blood clot in his leg from not moving. He had to undergo his second surgery in a week, but this time on his heart to help prevent the blood clot from causing a stroke. He is still in the hospital recovering and awaiting test results. 

Depending on the grade of the tumor, he may need to undergo chemo, radiation, or additional surgeries. Each day he needs physical therapy and occupational therapy when he is at the hospital, and he will need in-home treatment when he is able to come home. He is also receiving medication to help control the blood clot in his brain. 

Cooper has been suffering from extreme physical pain, and due to COVID-19, he can only have one parent visit per day, causing extreme emotional pain. He has had more than 20 brain scans so far, 2 lengthy surgeries, 4 COVID tests, and daily therapy, on top of all the time spent at the hospital and rehab center. Even with insurance all of this seems impossible. More so, the required home health care is not insured. 

Everyone who has worked with Cooper has been amazed by his positivity. He loves his family, his friends, his skateboard, and his favorite soccer team Liverpool. He has one of the biggest hearts I've ever known and is the bravest brain tumor warrior I've ever witnessed. 

We will continue to post updates and ask that you keep Cooper and our family in your thoughts and prayers. 

With Love, 

Cassidy McVey