A family received the worst news imaginable about their son, Bailey Cooper. He had been diagnosed with cancer. In 2016, this sweet boy found out he had Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Suddenly, his life revolved around treatments and trips to the doctor.
Everyone was hopeful, and for a little while, things looked up. The cancer went into remission, but that didn’t last long.
Bailey returned to school, and life felt normal again until the family learned that the cancer had come back. This meant more chemotherapy and hospital visits. Once again, the treatments seemed to help, and Bailey started to feel better.
Sadly, in August, they received devastating news: the cancer had returned, and this time it was serious.
“The doctor told us the news,” said Bailey’s dad, Lee. “It was late Stage Four, and it was really aggressive.”
The cancer had spread rapidly, with lumps found in Bailey’s chest, lungs, liver, and stomach. Doctors estimated he had only days or weeks to live.
When Bailey heard this heartbreaking news, he was crushed, but he was also determined to hold on long enough to meet his baby sister, who was due in a few months. Everyone prayed he would make it.
In an incredible turn of events, Bailey showed his fighting spirit. In November, he got to hold his newborn sister, and his parents let him pick her name: Millie.
Bailey’s mom, Rachel, said, “He hugged her and did everything a big brother should do — changing her, washing her, and singing to her.”
After Millie was born, Bailey’s health started to get worse.
Bailey’s parents held onto the hope that they could celebrate Christmas together, so they encouraged him to write down the gifts he wanted. Showing the same kindness he had during his illness, Bailey asked for things that his little brother, Riley, would like.
Right before Christmas, the whole family came over to say their goodbyes. As Bailey’s grandma cried and wished she could take his place, the young boy gently scolded her:
“That’s really selfish, Nan,” he said. “You have other grandkids to look after.”
Bailey had to go through five really tough days of radiotherapy when the cancer spread to his brain. During that time, he told his family that he felt it was his moment to leave.
“I want to stay, but I need to go and be a guardian angel for my little sister,” Bailey said.
On December 22, Bailey stopped responding as the cancer took over his small body. His family was right there with him as he gradually faded away.
“We sat with him for hours, watching him get weaker,” Rachel shared. “We read him stories and played his favorite songs.”
“By 11:45 a.m. on Christmas Eve, we were at his side. We knew the end was near. We told him, ‘It’s time to go, Bailey. Just let go.’”
At that moment, a single tear rolled down Bailey’s cheek. He took his last breath and quietly left this world.
Losing their child was incredibly painful, shattering the family’s hearts into countless pieces, but they all understood that Bailey was finally free from suffering.
“We feel numb, but in a way, we’re also relieved he isn’t in pain anymore,” Lee said.
Now, they try to honor the wishes of their young son, who was surprisingly wise for his age.
“He told us during our last family talk: ‘You can only cry for 20 minutes,’” Rachel shared. “Then you have to look after Riley and Millie.”
Bailey’s story is truly heartbreaking and tragic, but his bravery, strength, and positive attitude in tough times continue to inspire people everywhere. While his family mourns his absence, they believe his spirit and legacy will always shine on.
Did Bailey’s bravery, positivity, and wisdom touch your heart? If so, share it!
Peace and Love.