Cooper's Troopers

Hello Family and Friends,
Amanda Rhines has been my best friend for 30 years, she is my "person." Four years ago Amanda welcomed her son Cooper into this world.  From day one, Cooper, who was born with Down Syndrome, has taught me to be a better person.  He has filled my life and the people around him with joy, laughter, and unconditional love!  Yesterday, February 10, 2016 Cooper was diagnosed with Leukemia.  The world stopped turning for my best friend and those who love her and Cooper. 

3 years ago Amanda joined the Grand Rapids Down Syndrome Association and chose the name “Cooper’s Troopers” for our team. This name now has a deeper meaning and I feel like I need to start fighting for little Coop!  I am hearing from so many of Amanda’s friends asking what they can do to help.  I felt the best way I can help right now is to start a GoFundMe page.  My family went through cancer treatment with my step-son 3 years ago and I know how stressful finances can be when you are focused on is saving your child’s life. 

I am asking if you have the means to help, or even skip a drive thru meal or cup of coffee, to donate…every penny will make a difference! My goal is to raise enough money to help with daily cost for Cooper while Amanda takes time off of her job at St. John's Home.  I will forever be grateful and you will TRULY make a difference in making this fight easier.  If you would like to help in any other way, please contact me.  I will start meal planning once Amanda and Cooper are home from the hospital (2-3 weeks).  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!!
Betsy

Facebook post from Amanda Cooper's mom: Cooper's Troopers! You have been called into active duty. A little less than 24 hours ago our brave leader was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Please note that we caught it very early and his prognosis is EXCELLENT. However the next month will be the most difficult for him and his treatment will continue over the course of the next two years. We will be stationed at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Grand Rapids, MI, for at least the next two... weeks. During this time they will begin his chemotherapy and also work to rid him of the Pneumonia, RSV, double ear infection and take care of his long neglected teeth (thanks, oral aversion for complicating things a little further). Rest assured that he has his trusty guitar and keyboard by his side so you will continue to receive his concerts. Unless I can find a quiet drum, we will have to forgo drumming for the time being. Currently, Cooper is pretty uncomfortable and not at all thrilled about his assignment to this new post but has made tremendous gains already. He spent a good deal of time last night trying to convince his aunt to fart so that he could laugh at her...so his humor is returning smile emoticon What we need right now is a huge influx of healing love sent this way. You are welcome to visit but please be aware that if you aren't perfectly healthy they will not allow you on this floor. His chemotherapy begins Friday. I will do my best to keep you up to date on how he's doing along the way