On July 4th, my nephew Cooper Wood was hit crossing the street as a pedestrian by a truck. Cooper was life flighted to Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara in critical condition. Cooper has a”significant” brain injury (brain bleed), multiple facial fractures, broken nose, severe gash over his left eye and severe road rash and gashes from his feet to his face. The ER team is shocked he has no broken bones in his arms and legs. Cooper is intubated and in a coma fighting for his life. A drain was put in Coopers brain, however the Neuro team has not had to open the drain. The plan is to keep Cooper heavily sedated for a minimum of 2 weeks to let his brain and body heal.

Cooper is an amazing young man with a bright future ahead of him. We have been told by his team of Doctors with the significant brain injury he has, to expect some cognitive limitations and possible change in personality.

Cooper was a star athlete in high school and was currently working 2 jobs and going to school prior to the accident. He is an Eagle Scout and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Cooper would head out to surf nearly every evening after work. He loves being out in the water. My sister Kim and brother in-law Mike have been by Coopers side since they were called by the Sheriff. With the unknown ahead, I am asking anyone who is able, if you can help in any way as Cooper has a long road ahead of him. Kim and Mike are two of the most amazing, giving and kind hearted people. And they would not ask for help, however I would like to ask for help to relieve some of the financial burden they will have in the near future by raising money for any care Cooper will need.

Cooper remains stable, however in critical condition. His pressure numbers in his brain are remaining low which we are grateful for. We know Cooper feels all the prayers and positive energy being sent his way.

Thank you to for donating to COOPER STRONG