State Senator Julie Morrison is asking the community to send cards to Cooper Roberts, the 8-year-old boy who was paralyzed after being shot in the Highland Park shooting as he continues to recover.
Cooper suffered a gunshot to the abdomen and his spinal cord was severed in the July 4 shooting. He was airlifted to a hospital in Chicago.
A family spokesperson said late last month that the boy was no longer in critical condition and is continuing to make progress.
As a result, Cooper was transferred out of the pediatric intensive care unit to a general floor at the hospital after almost a month.
The boy’s collapsed lung continues to heal and he is breathing on his own, the spokesperson said.
Cooper was also able to visit the playroom in the hospital several times. Cooper was also finally able to visit with his dog, George.
Last week, he was medically cleared and transferred to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago.
The AbilityLab medical team met with Cooper and his family to conduct a series of comprehensive assessments and determine the appropriate physical and occupational therapy, as well as other rehabilitation and mental health services.
Morrison (D-Lake Forest) announced on Monday that she was organizing a “Cards for Cooper” campaign.
Morrison is collecting store-bought and handmade cards that she will deliver to Cooper’s family to “show Cooper the community supports him and is cheering him on throughout his recovery process.”
“Almost everyone in the community has been thinking about and cheering on Cooper throughout his recovery process,” Morrison said.
“He’s doing much better, but still has a long way to go. Let’s show him how many people care.”
Any person, no matter how old or where they live, is encouraged to send a card for Cooper to 43 Highwood Avenue in Highwood, Illinois, 60040. Drop-offs are also welcome.
Morrison encourages people to share the opportunity with their friends and family as “no amount of cards is too many.”
Cooper last month received a package from the Milwaukee Brewers, his favorite baseball team, with a personalized jersey as he recovered in the hospital.
Keely Roberts, who is the superintendent for Zion Elementary School District 6, was attending the Highland Park parade on July 4 with her two twin sons, Cooper and Luke.
Keely, Cooper and Luke were shot when a gunman opened fire during the parade, wounding dozens of people and killing seven.
Keely Roberts was seriously injured but is recovering.
Keely underwent several surgeries after she suffered gunshot wounds to her leg and foot area. She was later discharged from the hospital. Luke is also recovering.
A GoFundMe account for the family raised over $1.7 million.