In Memory of Cooper: Aid for Kristen and Steve

Kristen and Steve are loved by many but have always been private, and most don’t know Cooper’s story. Kristen’s water broke on November 14th, 2023 when she was just under 22 weeks pregnant. Upon presenting to the emergency department her initial doctors told her that her child wouldn’t make it, and they were prepared to say their goodbyes. They were then transferred to UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital where she had a more experienced team give them hope that he would be able to survive. Kristen remained in the hospital and was able to keep Cooper in the womb for another 4 weeks to help further develop his brain and heart. Cooper Christopher Bradny was born on December 9th, 2023. He was immediately put on a ventilator as his lungs unfortunately stopped developing after her water initially broke in November. Cooper proved he was strong right away, and he was able to survive several early surgeries to repair his heart. He remained in the NICU for 315 days fighting to grow stronger in the hope he would one day be able to go home with Kristen and Steve. Kristen and Steve stayed at the nearby Ronald McDonald House in order to be by his side every single day. We know he felt surrounded by their love, and it kept sweet Cooper smiling the cheekiest smile despite all of his struggles. Cooper tragically passed away on October 19th, 2024 surrounded by his parents and grandparents. After nearly a year long hospital stay, Kristen and Steve have returned back to their home and begin the lifelong process of healing from the loss of a child.

Donations to this GoFundMe, will go directly to the Bradny family to help offset hospital bills and funeral costs, so they can try to recover with one less stress.

The Bradny family also supports donations to Ronald McDonald House which helped support them over this incredibly difficult year.

https://www.rmhcneo.org/ways-to-give/donate/

We ask that if you donate to RMH, you dedicate the donation In Memory of Cooper Bradny.