Make-A-Wish

My friends, Cooper's scans came back ALL CLEAR!!! I don't know if you felt it but I just took a DEEP BREATH. Thank you for praying for him and for those of you who have checked in on him 🧡 Gahhhh, my heart! This one was a harder one for me for some reason. 12 weeks until his next surgery and another whole set of tests!

I know you have all heard about the organization "Make-A-Wish". I mean how could anyone not LOVE what they do for kids who are facing such ugly health giants in their lives?

Cooper was nominated by the hospital for Make-A-Wish and was accepted to be granted a wish! They truly are as wonderful as all the commercials make them seem. The "wish coordinator" we've been working with has a massive heart of gold and her attention to detail I truly admire.

One of the ways they raise money is by having local high school's do what is called a "wish week". They called and asked us if we'd be willing to share Cooper's story to help raise money so that more kid's wishes could be granted.

We try to give Cooper the ability to make as many decisions for himself as we can. When we asked if he'd be willing to do this it was an automatic YES! They then said, "It looks like you actually live fairly close to Mead High School and they are always great about doing a wish week. Would you be okay if Cooper was the wish kid for Mead?"

Full circle, yet again.

Cooper doesn't always love being the center of attention, especially in front of big crowds. So I had to explain that he would be going out in front of the whole school at their assembly and announced at a few basketball games to share his story and talk about him. I explained what that would entail and he said, "Can I think about it?" After about 5 minutes, he says, "If Addy and Bria are going to be there too then yes I'll do it."

Fast forward through interviews, making a video and preparing for the details wish week is now in sight.

Bria sent me this text last week.

It's been a little while since I've had a good ugly cry. That text triggered it for me that day. I collapsed into our couch and my body took over. Anger. Sadness. Disbelief. Heartbroken. I didn't realize how much I was holding in.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Make-A-Wish and want to help in anyway possible. But when did my baby boy become the poster child for them? How is it possible that he's sick enough that he not only was granted a wish but now is the "face" of it too? Reality checks SUCK.

If you saw him now you'd have no idea what he's been through, what he is currently going through. He "looks" healthy. He gets to participate in all of the activities that his friends do yet he takes chemo pills daily and just had another surgery.

It reminds me to keep in mind that we never know what people are actually going through. When you interact with people in every day life stay tender and give a whole lot of grace. Don't assume based on looks because you just don't know.

From the very beginning I've always said that Cooper's story matters and I will write, talk and share it in any way that God can use it.

I've imagined his story making an impact in the future when he is all healed and recovered as an adult. But here we are, just a little over a year into this journey and it's already happening. His story is going to help other kids who will be following him down this path. 🧡

Childhood cancer, SUCKS! It's the worst. I know God can and will use it for good. ✨🎗️✨

Much Love, Cooper's Mama

Prayer Requests:

🧡 That his body can handle these steroids and his blood sugars don't go too crazy! Two more days to go with those.

🧡 PRIASE- for clear test results!

🧡 That he feels loved and seen for wish week

🧡 Continued protection from all the "other" sickness' that are going around like crazy right now

🧡 For his spirit to stay tender and sweet

🧡 Rest and recovery