Cooper is an athletic, quick witted 7 year old. Although he happily and enthusiastically plays catch during his infusion, he is completely traumatized by the needle touching his skin. This heart wrenching rollercoaster of emotion repeats every week as he receives his life-saving medicine.
Cooper was diagnosed with Morquio Syndrome (MPS IVA) on January 30, 2014. He was 16 months old, and besides a bump on his back, you wouldn’t know anything was wrong with the energetic, ornery, quick to laugh, babbling toddler.
Having our baby diagnosed with a rare, progressive, terminal disease was life shattering. We continue adjusting to our ever changing situation, and are comforted that Cooper can receive weekly Enzyme Replacement Therapy infusions of Vimizim to slow the progression of the disease. We are blessed to have this therapy so early in Cooper’s life, and we are certain his quality of life is benefitting from treatment.
We are lucky that the research (and the funding it required) to find a treatment for Morquio was completed by the time we were diagnosed. But we are not done. Funding research specific to MPS diseases is critical to the next step – finding a CURE.
100% of your donation will fund life-saving research to find a cure for our little boy and others like him.
About Cooper: Cooper is a sports nut. He loves to watch and play all kinds of sports including hockey, baseball, football, and soccer – all modified within the limitations of his short stature and cervical stenosis. He thoroughly enjoys music, whether it’s blasting his favorite song on Alexa or playing ACDC’s T-N-T on the drums, with big sister accompanying on the keyboard.
Cooper charms the nurses, doctors and fellow patients at our doctor appointments and infusion days. He has been through several surgeries and continues to handle six-hour infusion days like a champ. Cooper’s diagnosis has taught us patience, faith, and taking one day at time. He is an inspiration to us.
Making a donation is easy and safe- simply click the “Donate Online” button in the upper right to donate.
To keep posted on Cooper’s medical progress, please visit his Caring Bridge site: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/coopertippett
The mission of the National MPS Society is to fund research and provide support for families affected by MPS and related diseases.
Please help our family and support the National MPS Society. Every donation will make a difference in the lives of those affected by MPS and related diseases. Please visit www.mpssociety.org for more information.
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