Boy, 8, Paralyzed in Highland Park Shooting Returns Home for the First Time 2 Months after Tragedy

What was supposed to be a joyful celebration turned into a nightmare for an eight-year-old boy's family when a gunman suddenly opened fire during this year's Fourth of July parade.

Jason and Keely Roberts lived with their six children in Highland Park, Illinois. Their eight-year-old son, Cooper Roberts, loved riding his bike in the neighborhood and playing his favorite games with his twin brother at the nearby playground.

The Roberts enjoyed spending time together as a family and were seen visiting different places during their holidays. Like every year, the Roberts headed to 2022's Fourth of July parade, unaware that their lives would soon be turned upside down.

Fourth of July

Like every patriotic family in the U.S., the Roberts left their home on July 4 to celebrate Independence Day on the streets of Highland Park, Illinois. They looked forward to having a good time after a two-year pandemic break.

Dozens of residents had gathered holding white, red, and blue balloons, waiting for the parade to begin. Jason and Keely were with their twins, Cooper and Luke, when something unexpected caused the spectators to panic.

Soon after people gathered in the streets, a gunman suddenly opened fire, injuring multiple spectators, including Cooper. He was rushed to the hospital shortly after the tragic incident took place.

Inside the Hospital

When the Roberts left their home to celebrate Independence Day, they had no idea how their lives would soon take a turn for the worse. They were devastated seeing little Cooper in pain and had no idea what would happen in the next few months.

While little Cooper was still in the hospital, his parents told him how he would never be able to walk or run like before.

The first responders brought Cooper in critical condition to the Highland Park Hospital, where the doctors carried out multiple surgeries to save his life. A few days after the shooting incident, Cooper was slowly recovering, but the doctors told his parents something unexpected.

The Shocking News

"It is confirmed he will be paralyzed from the waist down," the Roberts family revealed in an update on the GoFundMe fundraiser they set up to cover Cooper's medical expenses.

Being paralyzed meant Cooper could no longer ride his bike or play with his friends in the playground. It was something the eight-year-old wasn't prepared for. The Roberts had never expected to go through such a heartbreaking experience.

While little Cooper was still in the hospital, his parents told him how he would never be able to walk or run like before. It wasn't easy for the little boy to digest the news, but his family helped him stay strong with their unconditional love and support.

The Strong Boy

A few days later, Cooper was moved to the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, where he underwent multiple medical procedures in the upcoming days. Meanwhile, his family posted updates on their GoFundMe page.

After spending more than two months in hospitals, undergoing multiple surgeries and medical procedures, Cooper finally returned home. His family shared an update on September 23. They said:

"We are at a total loss of words to express how filled with gratitude, love, and wholeness we now feel given that we are able to have Cooper back at home finally."

Feeling Grateful

"There was a time, not all that long ago, where we were desperately and feverishly praying just for Cooper to live," the Roberts added, grateful to have their little boy back home.

Cooper was no less than a warrior because he kept fighting for his life despite undergoing painful medical procedures. His parents were amazed to see how strong their little boy was.

They also realized Cooper still had to walk a "heartbreakingly cruel and unfair road" because life wasn't the same for him now. With his paralysis, he struggled with many tasks that never bothered him before the heart-wrenching incident.

The New Lifestyle

Despite living with daily painful reminders of his past life, Cooper brilliantly adjusted to his new lifestyle. While his family struggled to find a new home that would accommodate his wheelchair, Cooper found new ways to pursue his passion. The Roberts stated:

"Cooper has decided to take up wheelchair tennis. He has already been to the tennis courts a couple of times!"

Jason and Keely felt heartbroken watching their son feel sad "when he sees his bike he can no longer ride or his old soccer jersey," but they didn't give up. Instead of focusing on their grief, they looked at the bright side of the entire situation.

The Fundraiser

As of September 26, the Roberts have collected more than $2 million through the fundraiser. The top donor gave $20,000 and chose not to reveal their identity.

"Since the very start, Cooper has inspired us," the Roberts said. They felt their little boy was "tough as nails yet incredibly tender-hearted." Jason and Keely thanked everyone who prayed for their son and supported them financially.

The Comments

Cooper's story made it to the news, and several media outlets shared it on their social media pages, where netizens extended their support for the Roberts. Here are some of the comments from People's Facebook post:

"Praying for him and his family always. Hoping that because he's so very young, medical advances and new technology will be a big benefit to him."

― (@Dick Skabroud) September 23, 2022

"What a little sweetie! Sending positive vibes and prayers."

― (@Donna Smethers) September 23, 2022

"Hooray! Glad you are home. Praying you will get stronger each day."

― (@Merrily Eggert) September 23, 2022

We hope little Cooper enjoys sporting activities as he did before the shooting. Our prayers are with the Roberts as they try to adjust to their new normal.

Click here to read another story about a Kansas boy in critical condition after he was hit in a crosswalk on his way to school.