For one Illinois family, a sad anniversary is quickly approaching. On July 4, 2022, a gunman shot up a festive holiday parade in Highland Park. As a result, seven people were killed and more than 40 injured, including 9-year-old Cooper Roberts and his mother Keely.
Cooper’s injuries left him paralyzed from the waist down and Keely has shrapnel in her leg to this day. Keely wrote a beautiful tribute to Cooper’s resiliency and offered an update on how the family is coping in the form of a personal essay published by People. She says she is humbled by the public support her family has received.
Keely recalls it was hectic trying to get everyone out of the house the morning of the parade, but the family was excited about the big event. She begins: “I have this very distinct memory of how beautiful the day was, and how happy the boys were, talking about cleaning up on candy at the parade. They were excited to get there and see friends.” The joy was short-lived.
Both Cooper and Keely were taken to Highland Park Hospital. Cooper was transferred to UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital and then eventually to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. “The day I told him he was paralyzed was the hardest day of my life,” Keely recalled.
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The healing and recovery process has not been easy for the family, but they are trying their best not to become resentful and bitter. “It’s very easy to feel angry. But we also try to focus on what we can draw strength from,” Keely explains. “We look at all the good, the generosity, the kindness, the love.”
Keely draws her inspiration from her son. “I’m inspired by him every day,” she stated. “He is a happy little boy, and man, if he can stay happy throughout all of this, I can too.”
