Czech Night
This wonderful night featured Cooper’s check presentation. Cooper and his family were presented a check for $11,650 and Cooper also received his own DAWG Jersey. His family claims Cooper wore his jersey for numerous days after and can be seen most day’s still in the jersey!
Cooper as a DAWG
Since joining the DAWG Nation family Cooper has already made himself a household name. His smile and energy brings light and laughter to rooms. Catch Cooper on the DAWG Pod or coaching a platinum division team to a championship at the DAWG Bowl, either way Cooper is a DAWG through and through.
Unexpected diagnosis as a baby…
Cooper was diagnosed with Morquio Syndrome, type A (mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), type IV A) on 30 Jan 2014. He was 16 months old at the time of diagnosis, and besides a bump on his back, you wouldn’t have known anything was wrong with the curious, ornery, quick to laugh, babbling toddler.
Ongoing Treatment
As part of ongoing treatment, Cooper has had to have weekly Enzyme Replacement Therapy. He spends 5.5 – 6 hours at the hospital on infusion days. Over the last six years, he has undergone over 300+ of the infusion treatments.
Additionally, Cooper has had numerous major surgeries. The first was a surgery to address issues in his spine & neck. The second and third were to fix his hip, knees, and ankles. The latter surgeries happened this past summer, which meant he spent the entire summer in a body cast.
Hockey Family
Cooper is a massive hockey fan. He watches as many Avalanche games as he can, and one of his ultimate dreams is to play ice hockey. Now Cooper is in 3rd grade at Wilder and was recently given the opportunity to try sled hockey. He absolutely loved it. Seeing as how he had to learn to sit up, stand and walk again this summer, this is a huge step for him to enjoy some ice time.
Campbell’s Journey
His sister, Campbell, (5th Grade) is now playing ice hockey and roller hockey. She started learning to skate in Littleton, and after quickly picking this up, she challenged herself to begin roller hockey at Skate City. Recently, she has begun to attend Aces Hockey Academy, which allows her to play ice hockey as part of her curriculum five days a week. She also enjoys the off ice training and dance class, where she excels. She is an amazing big sister and advocate to Cooper as well
