It started as a typical Tuesday morning at Carmel High School. Matthew Cooper was nodding off in U.S. history when he was called to the office to receive news that would forever change his life.
As he entered the office, Cooper caught a glimpse of his mother, who looked upset. Cooper thought his father or one of his siblings had been in an accident, but soon learned he was the one in jeopardy. His mother took his hand and said, “We are going to Riley Hospital For Children.” Cooper says he was in shock.
At the time, Cooper was in his junior year of high school– being recruited by universities for Track and Cross Country. What started as a little back pain, pain in his legs and slower running times eventually led to medical checkups. Just a few weeks later, blood test results came back abnormal. Doctors diagnosed Cooper with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.
The following six months of Cooper’s life were a whirlwind–filled with treatment plans, doctors, tubes and wires. He wasn’t able to participate in what his friends were doing such as junior prom, SAT prep classes and his track and cross country team.
He spent six months in and out of the hospital. Cooper says he was blessed with great support from his family, friends and the entire Carmel Community. Close friends started a fundraiser in his honor and made T-shirts to sell to help pay for his care. They raised about 22,000 dollars which helped support his mother, who quit her job to be there full-time for Cooper.
These are some of Cooper’s friends who were responsible for starting the fundraiser. These are an example of the shirt’s that they sold.
Cooper says he felt discouraged at times while undergoing chemotherapy. “People don’t realize the pressure that the treatment can put on patients and their families and it caused a lot of internal conflict between my family. “He said he sometimes took his frustrations out on the people closest to him, such as his Mother. Cooper talks about a few arguments that took place between his mother and him which he now describes as the “lowest moments of my life.” He says that while all the support and love is what helped him remain positive, people don’t really see the sides that he saw. Cooper talks about some of the things he experienced and witness during his stay at Riley.
After two rounds of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, Cooper went into remission. With help of doctors at Riley Hospital For Children, He had overcome the biggest obstacle of his life. As he attempted to slowly get back into a daily routine, he continued to exercise and build up his endurance to eventually get back out on the track and rejoin his team.
Cooper is now a sophomore at IU. He is A an Kelley School of Business Honors student, a part of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity , AND A Little 500 rider . In the video extra below Cooper describes what a typical week is like for him here on campus.
Cooper is now a part of the Riley Development committee for Indiana University Dance Marathon. Cooper alone raised over 3,000 dollars this past year. He is passionate about giving back to the hospital that give him this new opportunity of life. Cooper wants to pass it on, hoping to one day start his own foundation to help children.
A unique part of being on the Riley D committee is getting connected with your very own ‘Riley Buddy’ who was a patient of Riley at some point. Cooper has his own buddy “Owen” who he remains close with. Owen is now 15-years-old and a freshman in high school. Cooper and Owen talk often through snapchat and FaceTime calls as well as visits throughout the semester. Cooper focuses on his relationship with Owen to offer support and guidance because Cooper can connect with Owen because he was once the high schooler with cancer.
Although Cooper is in remission, he continues to have monthly check-ups to ensure he remains healthy. He suffers from lack of a immune system due to the after effects of his cancer. He focuses on managing a healthy diet, regular exercise and keeping his life as normal as possible. Cooper says cancer was the best thing that ever happened to him. He said that it taught him to enjoy every moment that life has to offer and to smile more often. Life is full of opportunities and he said he will continue to let his experience guide him towards success.
