Words of Encouragement & Inspiration for Luke and Cooper & the Roberts Family
Cooper and Luke Roberts & Family
Cooper was shot and his spinal cord was damaged. After undergoing many surgeries, the doctors determined that he will be paralyzed from the waist down. He is a tough cookie and is an inspiration for enduring so much on this long journey.
His twin brother Luke was hit with shrapnel and witnessed what no child or brother or person should ever have to see. The emotional trauma will forever be with Luke and Cooper.
Words of Encouragement & Inspiration
Phil Jackson
Former Head Coach of Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers
Phil Jackson is a former professional basketball player, coach, and executive. Phil Jackson played 12 seasons in the NBA, winning NBA championships with the New York Knicks in 1970 and 1973. Jackson was the head coach of the Chicago Bulls from 1989 to 1998, leading them to six NBA championships. He then coached the Los Angeles Lakers from 1999 to 2004 and again from 2005 to 2011; the team won five league titles under his leadership. Jackson’s 11 NBA titles as a coach surpassed the previous record of nine set by Red Auerbach.
Thank you to Ben
Alvy Ray Smith
Co-founder of Pixar
Alvy Ray Smith is an American computer scientist and a Co-founder of the Lucasfilm Computer Graphics Division, Pixar, and Altamira Software. Alvy was part of the 1980s and 1990s expansion of computer animation into feature films. He created his first computer graphic in 1965 at New Mexico State and, by 1970, he had earned a Ph.D. in computer science from Stanford University. Alvy would later become the first Graphics Fellow after Microsoft bought Altamira Software. He was also the first Director of Computer Graphics at Lucasfilm. More recently, he authored the book, A Biography of the Pixel.
Ryan Shazier
Founder at Ryan Shazier Fund For Spinal Rehabilitation
Ryan Shazier is a former American football linebacker. He played college football at Ohio State and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Shazier had a successful first few seasons in the league, including a Pro Bowl appearance in 2016. During the 2017 season against the Cincinnati Bengals, Shazier attempted to make a head first tackle that left him unable to move his legs, and he had to have spinal stabilization surgery and learn to walk again. After spending two seasons on the Steelers’ physically unable to perform list, Shazier announced his retirement from football in 2020.
Thank you to Carolyn Slayton
Upload Words of Encouragement & Inspiration Below
Luke & Cooper will be able to watch your video when times get tough and there are low moments.
It is a long journey ahead for the family & there will be many challenges so your video will be a shining light.
2 Easy Steps to Send Your Video…
1. Record a video on your phone.
Tell a story of overcoming adversity.
2. Click the secure link to
upload the file you recorded on
your phone.
The Roberts Family Fundraiser
The friends of the Roberts family have created this fundraiser. Keely Roberts and her 8-year-old sons, Cooper and Luke, were significantly impacted by the tragic events at the 4th of July parade in Highland Park.
Cooper’s spinal cord was severed and has undergone numerous surgeries. Doctors have determined that he will be paralyzed from the waist down. Cooper continues to fight as hard as he can from the physical and emotional trauma.
Their medical bills will be significant, as will the treatments, therapy, and all of the equipment, devices and adaptations to their home.
Please continue to keep the Roberts family in your thoughts and prayers. Any help you can provide is deeply appreciated.
Let’s Remember All Victims of Gun Violence
Witnessing the response to the Highland Park shooting, who could help but reflect on the steady stream of nightly news picturing the latest round of dead and wounded in other parts of our area — often, children caught in senseless gunfire.