Bailey Cooper’s family faced the unimaginable when they learned their young son had been diagnosed with Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2016. Their world was turned upside down as Bailey’s life became consumed by treatments and hospital visits.
Initially, there was hope. The cancer went into remission, allowing Bailey to return to school and enjoy life as a typical child. Sadly, that reprieve was short-lived. The cancer came back, leading to another round of chemotherapy and hospital stays. Once again, Bailey’s treatments appeared successful, and he seemed to improve.
But in August, the family received devastating news: the cancer had returned more aggressively, and this time it was Stage 4. “It was even worse. It was very aggressive,” recalled Bailey’s father, Lee. The cancer had spread to his chest, lungs, liver, and stomach, leaving Bailey with only days or weeks to live.
Despite the heartbreaking prognosis, Bailey was determined to hold on long enough to meet his baby sister, who was due in a few months. Against all odds, he did. In November, he met his newborn sister, Millie, and even chose her name. “He hugged her and did everything an older brother would do — change her, wash her, sing to her,” said his mother, Rachel.
As Bailey’s health continued to decline, his parents encouraged him to create a Christmas wish list. True to his selfless nature, Bailey included gifts he knew his younger brother, Riley, would love.
In the days leading up to Christmas, family members visited to say their goodbyes. When Bailey’s grandmother tearfully said she wished she could take his place, the wise boy replied, “That is really selfish, Nan. You have grandchildren to take care of.”
As the cancer spread to his brain, Bailey endured five days of radiotherapy. It was then he told his family he was ready to go. “I want to stay, but it’s my time to go, to become her guardian angel,” he said, referring to Millie.
On December 22, Bailey became unresponsive. His family remained by his side, reading to him and playing his favorite music. On Christmas Eve, as they sat with him, they gently told him, “It’s time to go, Bailey. Stop.” At 11:45 a.m., a single tear rolled down his cheek as he took his final breath.
Bailey’s passing left his family heartbroken, but they found solace in knowing he was no longer in pain. “We are numb, but in a way also happy he is no longer in pain,” Lee shared.
Even in his final moments, Bailey’s wisdom and love for his family shone through. In their last family meeting, he told them, “You’re only allowed to cry for 20 minutes. You have to take care of Riley and Millie.”
Bailey’s story is one of incredible courage, strength, and selflessness. Though his family grieves his loss, they remain inspired by his light and legacy, which continue to touch people worldwide.
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