Cooper’s Fight Against DIPG

 Pete, myself and our family are reaching out with a plea of your support. Unfortunately, our brave nephew and cousin, Cooper, was recently diagnosed with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) in August 2024, a rare and aggressive brain tumour. As a family, it has been extremely difficult to come to terms with this diagnosis, and as of this moment in time, Cooper and his younger siblings are not fully aware of the extent of his diagnosis. If you do happen to see Cooper and his family out and about, we would be very grateful if you could be mindful of this. We would really appreciate if you could be considerate when speaking to his mum, Louise, and family, especially in his presence, as they are trying to keep life as normal for him as possible❤️

Two months ago life was great. Cooper was finishing primary school and looking forward to the summer holidays, with exciting events such as his 11th birthday in the August and starting his next journey at secondary school in September. However, after feeling unwell; with neck pain and numbness in his fingers, he attended several doctors appointments, and further went to A&E where he had multiple scans. Unfortunately, the doctors found a tumour in Cooper’s spinal cord. Nobody expects to go to the hospital to be told this devastating news.

Cooper was transferred to Manchester Children’s Hospital where the surgeons decided that they would attempt to remove the tumour, and performed a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. The surgeons did a great job at removing most of the tumour, however to our devastation, we were told that Cooper had DIPG and that this horrible diagnosis spares nobody. Only 40 children a year are diagnosed with this incurable condition in the UK, with the average prognosis being only 7-11 months. However, we will do everything possible to ensure Cooper does not become a statistic.

Cooper has already endured surgery, and has undergone a strict regime of steroid medications. Currently, Cooper is going through a gruelling five-week course of radiation therapy, with the hope that it will slow down the tumor’s aggressive growth and hopefully allow for some relief of the symptoms that are becoming more prominent.

About Cooper:

Cooper is an intelligent, funny and caring little boy. He enjoys watching superhero films, being a HUGE Marvel fan and also enjoys keeping up to date with how Manchester United and Wigan Warriors are getting on. He perseveres with a smile on his face and his bravery throughout this diagnosis is greatly inspiring.

The Challenge Cooper Faces:

DIPG is a challenging condition to treat as there is limited treatment options and a very harsh prognosis. Although this is the case, we are not giving up hope, and we would like you to not give up hope either. Cooper’s medical team have been excellent in exploring all options that Cooper may have available to help improve with his symptoms and quality of life. We are going to explore every possibility that we can to ensure that Cooper has a fighting chance against this horrible diagnosis.

This awful diagnosis demands constant care, frequent treatment and an unlimited amount of support. Therefore, we are humbly asking for your help. As Cooper is currently moving around by wheelchair, the house is not as easily accessible as it could be, making day to day life difficult for Cooper. The daily trips to Christie’s, the new equipment that is needed to ensure Cooper is as comfortable as possible, in addition to supporting him through his everyday life and physiotherapy, the cost does quickly add up.

We also aim to fill the next chapter of Cooper’s life with love, fun and many new memories which we can all cherish. Any and all help in allowing us to achieve this would truly be a blessing to us.

Right now, Cooper is facing the biggest challenge of his young life. His condition is so rare and aggressive, therefore treatment plans may evolve quickly. The realities of this condition are daunting such as, the frequent visits to hospital, and the road ahead will not be easy, but it is necessary to give Cooper the best chance at a longer and better quality of life. The emotional toll on the family is hugely significant, and the financial strain is only set to create an overwhelming burden.

How Can You Help:

Many people have shown acts of kindness and also offered their help, asking if there is anyway they can donate, in order to help the family through this time. We truly appreciate that times are hard at the moment, therefore any support; whether it is a donation or simply spreading this page, will be truly appreciated.

We have created this GoFundMe to help spread awareness and raise money to allow for Cooper’s care and comfort. Each and every donation - no matter how big or small - will go to covering medical expenses, travel expenses for treatment and care, and other necessary expenses to ensure that Cooper receives the best care and is as comfortable as possible.

Times are hard at the moment and therefore we understand if you are unable to donate, however, we would equally appreciate your contribution of sharing this post with friends, family and on social media. Your well wishes, prayers and thoughts are deeply appreciated as the family navigates through this difficult time.

Thankyou for taking the time to read and share Cooper’s story❤️