After spending greater than two months in hospitals and rehabilitation services, Cooper Roberts is lastly house. The 8-year-old was wounded within the Highland Park parade taking pictures on July 4 that killed seven individuals.
"We're at a complete lack of phrases to precise how crammed with gratitude, love and wholeness we now really feel on condition that we're in a position to lastly have Cooper again at house," his household wrote on a GoFundMe web page Thursday. "There was a time, not all that way back, the place we have been desperately and feverishly praying only for Cooper to reside. To have the ability to have Cooper house and our household all reunited collectively once more is such a tremendous blessing."
Cooper was reunited along with his twin brother, Luke, 4 different siblings, and French bulldog, George.
"Having our kids reunited as a sibling unit and figuring out that they are often collectively every time they want or need to, is so particular to us and to Cooper," his household wrote Thursday. "They've held one another up and thru a lot throughout what has been essentially the most horrific time of their lives. They've seen, in a means they by no means had earlier than, simply how a lot they enrich one another's lives and the way deep their love for each other actually is."
His household stated now that he's house, Cooper is realizing the entire issues he cannot do due to his paralysis, similar to play on playgrounds and experience his bike. However, he has taken up some new hobbies, together with wheelchair tennis.
As for his dad and mom, they stated it has been "actually, actually exhausting" adjusting to their "new regular" — which incorporates having a baby with "intensive medical wants." They're weighing whether or not to renovate their house, or transfer to a brand new one which's extra wheelchair accessible.
However, they're additionally attempting to concentrate on the positives.
"Cooper is alive and residential and our candy and beautiful athletic little boy has made up his thoughts that he's going to determine new methods to play sports activities," they wrote Thursday.
Seven individuals have been killed and dozens extra wounded within the July assault. The suspect within the assault has since been charged with greater than 100 felony counts, together with homicide and tried homicide. He pleaded not responsible in August, regardless of beforehand admitting to the assault, in accordance with police.
As for Cooper, he was shot within the again and the bullet exited by way of his chest. The bullet "did vital injury all through his physique, together with to his aorta, liver, esophagus, and spinal twine," his mom, Keely Roberts, wrote on the GoFundMe web page in late July. He was initially positioned on a ventilator. Then, as his situation improved, he was moved from the hospital to a rehab facility in early August.
Keely was additionally shot. She stated she suffered bullet wounds to 2 elements of her leg, and had a number of surgical procedures on her foot.
Cooper's brother, Luke, suffered solely minor bodily accidents – however the emotional trauma was devastating by itself, Keely stated.
In a publish final month, the Roberts household stated each Cooper and Luke have been in personal counseling and psychological well being providers. Cooper was affected by flashbacks that disrupt his sleep and different post-traumatic stress signs.
"There are layers upon layers of cruelty with being shot by a sniper," Cooper's household wrote. "Most individuals do not witness the grueling aftermath of surviving these devastating wounds, bodily and emotional. We're consistently encouraging and motivating Cooper, looking for the positives and hanging on to hope, however we wish individuals to know the unvarnished actuality which is his/our new world."