Cooper's SDR Journey

Cooper was diagnosed, at a very young age, with  a medical condition called Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy.  Since then, Krista and I have spent the last 9 years trying to determine the best options to help Cooper get the most out of life.  After years of exhausting all other options with Physical Therapists and Orthopedic Surgeons. we were fortunate enough to learn about Dr. Park at the Children's Hospital in St. Louis and a procedure called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR).  After meeting with Dr. Park in May 2019, Cooper was approved and recommended for the life-changing surgery.  Dr. Park was very frank in letting us know that this operation is a must for Cooper for him to lead a productive life, now and into adulthood.  The surgery is tentatively scheduled for November 2019.  After the surgery, Cooper will also be required to undergo extensive Physical Therapy as well as a second surgery that will compliment the effects of the SDR  procedure in the Spring of 2020.  Physical Therapy will consist of 3-5 day a week for the first 6 months and 2-3 days of therapy for the following 6 months post surgery.  He will then continue to receive therapy on a regular basis many years after.

All funds received will help with the surgery expense, physical therapy costs, necessary medical equipment, travel cost, etc.  Therapy visits will primarily be the biggest burden as our insurance coverage only covers a limited amount of visits per year.

Anyone that has met Cooper knows that his disability doesn't define him or determine what he's capable of doing.  He consistently surpasses everyone's expectations and will continue to do so.  As parents though, you try to do everything in your power to help your kids anyway you can.  We write this message as two humble parents asking for support and prayers from our friends and family members in this time of need. 

Thank you for taking the time to read Cooper's story and any contributions you can make.  We'll keep everyone updated on Cooper's progress as he begins his Journey in the coming months.  If anyone has any questions please don't hesitate to reach out to either one of us.

Love,
Chris, Krista, Cooper and Camdyn