Cooper's Journey
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Hundreds come together today at Vandervest Harley-Davidson to raise money for a six-month-old baby who is recovering from open heart surgery. Video by nbc26.com
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GREEN BAY, WI -- Hundreds come together today at Vandervest Harley-Davidson to raise money for a six-month-old baby who is recovering from open heart surgery.
He’s doing remarkably well, now his family is thanking the community for support.
“When I walked in I started to cry,” said Kate Snyder, Cooper’s mother. “It's amazing.”
She explained she didn't know how to react, seeing the Green Bay community supporting her family and her son, Cooper.
“It's all for him,” she smiled.
Cooper was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect when we was just six days old. He had surgery at Children's Hospital in Milwaukee in January.
“They said most adults would be in a hospital for much longer,” said Kate.
Not Cooper. He's a fighter, out of the hospital in five days, and off pain medication in two weeks.
“He has done phenomenal,” said his dad, Eric. “He has been unbelievable.”
Vandervest Harley-Davidson hosted this event. They had bucket raffles, silent and live auctions, baked goods and more.
“Ever since he was born, they've had a lot of sleepless nights,” said Rachel Baranczyk, one of the organizers. “And Kate, the mother, hasn't been able to work since he was born.”
Now the group, who have so appropriately named themselves "Cooper’s Troopers," are raising money for medical bills, and the possibility of another surgery.
For now, Cooper's dad is staying positive.
“As of right now, he's got no restrictions,” said Eric. “He can be a normal kid; he can play football when we gets big, do all normal things.”
A six-month-old with a bright smile, and the determination to recover.
“He charms everyone that he meets,” said his mom.
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