JMU Dukes

One of the few things that has been amazing over the past few months has been Cooper's growing love for sports.  He LOVES his Capitals hockey, and Redskins football (much to Mom's dismay as a Raven's fan), but Cooper's absolute biggest passion is James Madison football!  As most of you probably know from our previous posts, both of us graduated from JMU and have been fortunate enough to keep in touch with the amazing JMU community.  When we got our diagnosis, the JMU family, like all others in our lives, stepped up.  If you have been following this blog since it's inception you saw the post about JMU sending Cooper a care package - which was amazing! 

When we entered into Coopers current phase of treatment, Cooper himself asked if he as well enough to go to a JMU football game.  To our amazement, Cooper's doctors told him that it was possible, BUT they wanted to keep close eyes on his current levels (Cooper is on an interim maintenance phase currently and gearing up for his most intense phase coming up in December).  This week we got the best news that his levels were high enough to allow him to visit his beloved JMU Dukes in Harrisonburg, during their last home game of the season.  The JMU Football team and their management, as well as the JMU athletics department, were absolutely AMAZING in their support and quick response to allow Cooper to be a part of the action!

Cooper is well enough to be mask free outside, but when around larger crowds or indoors, needs to have his mask and gloves on.  As chance would have it, the game was freezing, so it just looked like he was the smartest one in the stadium!  Thank you to JMU and the Football management team for making arrangements for Coop to have sideline and 2nd row passes to not make him be around the large crowds!


This was a big treat for Cooper!


Tailgating! You seriously would never know that this kid had 2 rounds of chemo 2 days ago!




So this was SUPER COOL!  Cooper got a chance to meet Coach Mike Houston (Head Coach for the Dukes).  Coach presented Cooper with a game-worn Raven Greene jersey (#5 for Cooper).  The big surprise was that JMU came through and customized the jersey for Cooper.  You can't buy these!  To make matters even better, Raven Greene, who plays for the Green Bay Packers, had an amazing game the day after, making a strong case for a safety spot (link). Raven wore #5 during his stellar JMU career.  Raven - if you're reading this, we are honored by the legacy you left at JMU and the continuation of JMU's community up in Green Bay!  Cooper is now a Packers fan because of you (although Dad is still trying to keep him a 'Skins fan)! ;)

We can't wait until the spring when Cooper will go back to JMU to meet the full team and thank them for all they have done!  We wanted to stay out of their way as they were getting pumped up for a win over Rhode Island! We were also really excited to see all of the players wearing their Super Cooper bracelets. 


Pre game on the sidelines!





For Duke's fans around the world - this picture requires no introduction!


Yeah buddy, we're #1!



Watching the team come out!


Warm ups.




To say that his little man was excited to watch his beloved Dukes is a huge understatement!  We can honestly say this is the most energy and happiest Cooper has been in MONTHS!



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