The Cooper Andrews Memorial Fund

Hi, I'm Willow Andrews and I am Cooper's mother. We're here to raise money for the causes Cooper believed in, to help others do the good work that Cooper isn't here to do anymore.

My Son, Cooper

As a baby, Cooper never crawled; he rolled, he scooted, and then he ran, and it was at that point I knew I was in for it. My son spent the next 26 years of his life running headlong into difficult conversations, fighting for causes he cared about and ideas he found vital.

In November of 2022, Cooper joined the Foreign Legion and left for Ukraine. Before he departed we had conversations about Spain and fascism and history, and he made it clear to me that he was going because of the humanitarian needs of the people there. He was so disturbed by what was happening, and for him, it wasn’t just about war in the abstract as it is often represented in the media–we bombed this or that, drone strikes and weapons donations–but about the lives of everyday people struggling against a fascist regime.

After finishing his contract, Cooper was scheduled to come home in March but decided to continue to fight. On April 19th, 2023, my son was killed outside Bahktmut defending the “Road of Life,'' a vital artery used to bring civilians to safety. My family is currently still endeavoring to retrieve his remains and personal items from the battlefield.

Cooper’s Legacy

The passing of Cooper has left a profound impact on those who knew him, but amidst the grief, we are reminded of the remarkable life he led and the legacy he leaves behind.

Cooper’s unwavering dedication to service is a testament to his selflessness and commitment to making the world a better place. As a veteran, he served our country in the United States Marine Corps. As a firefighter, he protected families from wildfires out west. Cooper’s generosity extended beyond his professional duties. He was a devoted community leader in Cleveland and Cleveland Heights, his beloved hometown, where he worked to uplift people through food support programs aimed at eliminating child hunger. As an Eagle Scout, he embodied the values of service, honor, bravery, and kindness that made him a role model for so many.

But perhaps what was most remarkable about my son was his unwavering ability to connect with people on a personal level. He had a rare gift for empathy and would stay up late into the night, listening to those in need of a friendly ear.

The loss of such a remarkable human being is immeasurable. As we reflect on the incredible impact that Cooper has had on the world around him, I am filled with hope and pride. His legacy of selflessness, service, and kindness will continue on with all of us.

The Cooper Andrews Memorial Fund

Cooper achieved so much in such a short time and we want to honor his work.

Through the Cooper Andrews Memorial Fund we hope to continue to grow organizations that Cooper cared about. Together we will feed the children in the city of Cleveland and fund the community spaces Cooper was dedicated to creating. With your support, we will continue this work in his name.

The specific organizations to be funded by the Cooper Andrews Memorial Fund are:

“...Love as friendship, despite its insulation, must subsist haphazardly and as best it may in the midst of war. Its true domain is peace, only peace.

--J. Glenn Gray, The Warriors, a quote Cooper posted to social media in 2018.

"In our hands there is a world to win and a fight which requires great sacrifice. For us and everybody else who faces the shadow of fascist aggression, there is only victory or death. Love and struggle."

--Cooper Andrews, March 2023, in a text to his friend while fighting in Ukraine.