Updated 4/7/2026

As many of you know, our dear friend Barb Cook was the victim of a horrific assault that occurred outside her home in Delta Township on Friday, February 13, around 5:30 pm. When she heard someone in trouble, she ran outside to help, without any thought or regard for her own safety. A tragic scene was unfolding across the street and she ran directly into the danger, saving two lives and taking the gunman’s attention away from the family he was shooting at; a young family out on a walk whom Barb had never met and had no connection to.

Although Barb was able to stop the assailant from reloading his gun; sadly, he turned his wrath on her and attacked her with his gun. Barb endured severe trauma to her head and face, including bleeding in her brain. Emergency brain surgery was life-saving, but she lost consciousness on the scene and has remained unconscious. Recently, Barb has started to make noticeable improvement in her journey to regaining consciousness. Since the beginning of April, she has begun responding to some questions with “yeah”, and is able to say some words that the family can make out. She has been moving her hands and fingers a lot more, happily grabbing and holding tightly to her loved ones’ hands. She opens her eyes and engages with loved ones daily. Her family is overjoyed with this progress; though they fully understand that this will be an incredibly long recovery process. That being said, we have so much hope for a full recovery.

Barb's bravery and selflessness exemplify the very best of humankind. Her warmth, kindness, and enduring spirit have touched countless lives in our community. Barb’s family anticipates that her recovery period will last much longer than insurance will cover. The money donated will be put directly to best rehabilitative care for Barb so that she has the highest chance for full recovery. Any funds not used directly for medical care will be used to outfit her home to be more handicap accessible when she eventually returns there. Any remaining funds will be donated directly to the other family impacted by this tragedy. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support.