Cooper is an inspiring seventh grader at Goddard Middle School who has a passion for sports, but especially hockey. He recently hosted a book signing event at the South Suburban Sports Complex with Jack Gates, author of the book Super Cooper Wins the Stanley Cup, which was inspired by Cooper’s story. Jack and Cooper teamed up with the non-profit organization Jack started called Triumph Together to bring this book to life.

Cooper has been courageously living with a rare condition known as Morquio Syndrome (MPS IVA), which affects all of his body’s organs and bones; Cooper hasn't let this stop him from embracing life with unique enthusiasm. Standing 38 inches tall, he is determined to engage in his favorite activities, which include shooting pucks in the backyard with his friends or big sister, playing baseball, golfing, playing video games, watching sports, and spending time with his beloved service dog, Velocity.

In 2020, Cooper met Jack Gates, a Colorado College hockey player who founded Triumph Together. The organization’s mission is to connect collegiate and professional athletes with children in hospitals, offering unforgettable experiences such as game tickets, meet-and-greets with players, videos of encouragement ahead of potentially scary medical procedures, and signed gear. Jack and Cooper quickly bonded over their shared love of hockey, and Jack wrote Super Cooper Wins the Stanley Cup as a tribute to Cooper’s resilience and love for the sport.

The book signing event was a resounding success. Cooper’s mom, Christine, said, “I had happy tears seeing his Goddard and Wilder teachers, principals and classmates join us at the book signing!” Attendees had the opportunity to purchase the book and have it signed by both Cooper and Jack. Proceeds from book sales go toward supporting Triumph Together’s work towards lifting up more kids like Cooper.

Cooper’s positive impact extends beyond the pages of this book. He was also featured in the LPS Board of Education’s Student Spotlight at their April 11, 2024 meeting. Cooper was recognized for his advocacy work as a patient ambassador for Children’s Hospital Colorado. His work has made him a familiar face throughout the community, as it included being a Denver Broncos Junior Reporter and a spokesperson at the Ace Hardware Annual Leadership Symposium.

As Cooper continues to inspire those around him, his story serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience that lies within each of us. With the support of Triumph Together and his family and friends, Cooper is making a lasting impact on the world around him.