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Cooper Dreams BIG
One year ago on October 18, Cooper was diagnosed. Preceded by some of the classic symptoms of excessive thirst and urination following a difficult flu, the news that their five-year-old had developed diabetes shocked Ezra and Kristy Kilfoil. Their family and friends immediately rallied around them in support, and Cooper was a brave as he could be. As Kristy puts it, "Cooper did an amazing job with all of it" despite trauma from the many shots and finger pokes. His questions, "Why me, why do I have to have this?'' or "I really hate poking my finger!" were heartbreaking to hear and to answer.
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Elijah, Ezra, Cooper, Kristy & Mirabella Kilfoil
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"We all have things that we 'deal' with but those things will not stop us from living our lives fully."
~ Kristy Kilfoil
Ironically and painfully, this was the family's second hallmark voyage back up to Doernbecher Children's Hospital. They were already very skilled and experienced in parenting children with special or extraordinary needs. Cooper's thirteen-year-old sister, Bella, has a very rare genetic syndrome called Wolf-Hirschhorn. Nonverbal, with limited mobility and prone to seizures, Bella has required extensive specialized care all of her life. The Kilfoils have had to solicit help in fashioning a special bed for Bella so that she can sleep safely, comfortably and independently. In partnership with The Joinery in Portland, they even went so far as to create a special nonprofit, The Bella Fund, so that families in Oregon and Washington can get assistance to obtain these one-of-a-kind miraculous beds!
Nonetheless, despite their experience with these other challenges, adding type 1 diabetes into their already complex lives was devastating for the Kilfoils. Courageous and resilient, both Cooper and the family grew to face his new condition with impressive fortitude. Beginning with the original "Rufus" (the bear with diabetes), teddy bears have offered him the nightly reassurance that only soft fuzzy companions can. By now his bed is thoroughly covered, leaving little room for Cooper!
"I know that Chris' book has helped build that
confidence in him."
~ Kristy Kilfoil
Cooper also welcomed some BIG surprise support and inspiration. A gift from Karis Tsolomitis of JDRF, the children's book Chris Dreams BIG immediately grabbed Cooper's full focus. A beautiful rendition showing children of all differing needs, Chris Dreams BIG is equally a tale of love and acceptance as it is one of living triumphantly with t1d. As Cooper recites the book from memory, the Kilfoil's nightly ritual includes taking turns putting their hands and feet on the BIG outlines of Dudley's own hand and
 foot. Recently, it was clear that Cooper had internalized Dudley's message of hope. A little girl, attempting to be kind and empathetic, commented on diabetes as being a "sad" thing. Without missing a beat, Cooper cheerfully retorted, "No! It's not gonna stop me from doing anything I want!" Meanwhile, Cooper practices daily on his own basketball hoop, getting ready for the day he will finally be old enough for Camp!
"Someday there will be a cure and God is working in this even if we can't 'see' him..."
~Kristy Kilfoil
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Happy Halloween from Cooper!
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In just one year, this little boy - and his family - have come so far. Every night, Cooper (and his bears) are dreaming BIG; Bella is dreaming safe (in her special bed); and we sincerely hope that you are dreaming BIG too!
A special thanks to Kristy Kilfoil, Cooper and Karis for providing information and inspiration for this article!
Click here for more information about the book Chris Dreams BIG. |
