Cooper Godfrey's family reflects on their many blessings
By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
Christmas is especially beautiful when seen through the eyes of a child. Like most seven-year-olds, Cooper Godfrey is hopeful about what the holiday will bring. He is looking forward to a visit from Santa Claus, as well as sleeping in and spending more time at home.
Yet this year’s holiday sights are more meaningful to the Hayesville boy and his family. Cooper, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier this year, has suffered swelling in his brain and was declared legally blind as the result. When the tumor was first discovered, he had surgery to reroute spinal fluid in his brain which was increasing pressure and causing eyesight problems. When his family was told he has a large brain tumor, they were also told it cannot be removed because it is in the middle of the brain.
Since his diagnosis, after his initial visits to an oncology team at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Cooper has made repeated trips to Duke Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Center, as well as other physician appointments and tests. He has been given rounds of steroids and other medicines, sometimes due to outside illnesses since his immune system is weak. He has suffered unwanted side-effects like severe rashes and other things.
Thankfully, his vision has stabilized, according to his mom, Melissa Godfrey. "He is doing well. He has adjusted to the chemo but we still have side effects to work through,” she said. “The swelling in Cooper’s brain has resolved so the doctors have indicated his vision is stable. Though still significantly impaired due to the damage of his optic nerve, we have seen some improvement and the doctors have given us hope that he will learn how to use the vision he has as he grows. At this time, we are learning what tools and supports will help him best as he navigates his vision challenges, particularly with academic tasks.”
The family shares a deep faith and feel there have been some miracles all along. “We have been told the chances of a low grade tumor in that area of the brain is very small one percent. So that in and of itself is a miracle,” she said. “He is no longer considered legally blind, which is also a huge blessing. He is still considered to have ‘low vision’ but we are thankful for the improvement that led to the change in his vision status.”
Throughout it all, Cooper remains optimistic. He graduated from kindergarten in May and started first grade at Hayesville in fall. He also continues to offer quips to make his family smile, along with everyone following his journey on Facebook at Tumor Takedown: Cooper Style.
In June, when he was having an infusion, he told his mom he loved sitting in a recliner snuggling with warm blankets and eating Popsicles. “I definitely want to come back here,” he told his mom. “Next time, we can skip the IV and medicine.”
In September, his mother reminded him of screen time limitations. “I do not appreciate having a brain tumor,” he replied. He turned seven in September and the community has continued to rally behind him and his family. Cooper has been honored by the Hayesville High School Baseball Team, HHS Student Council and his own classmates. Several local organizations have had Cooper Days.
Melissa explained, “Yes, we have moments of frustration or anxiety — mainly with blood draws — but overall he is still full of joy and for that, we are so thankful. One day, when I reminded him he couldn’t eat just yet — due to meds — he said loudly, ‘I do not appreciate having a brain tumor.’”
She said Cooper’s siblings, his sisters Annie and Allie, are his best supporters. “It has been a hard adjustment for them, too,” she added. “It’s a lot to process as adults, so hard for them to understand all that has and is happening.”
Melissa, who is Clay County’s School Superintendent, said the family plans to enjoy their break. “We are all excited to slow down and rest a little,” she smiled. “We plan to take time to reflect on all the blessings this year has brought, even in the midst of all the hard things.”