HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) — There was a moment of pure joy for 9-year-old Cooper Roberts Saturday afternoon.
For a few hours, the youngest victim of last year's Fourth of July parade shooting in Highland Park was able to enjoy a show put on by the National Wrestling Alliance just for him.
“Oh my gosh, today is one of those days you have to come and not completely immerse yourself in all that is difficult, challenging, and extraordinary,” said Keeley Roberts, Cooper's mother.
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Last year was a whirlwind for the Cooper family. That has included months of hospital stay and rehabilitation treatment for Cooper, who is paralyzed from the waist down.
“He's doing well. He's continuing to push through the physical issues he continues to work with, but I think, most importantly, he continues to feel the love and support,” said Keeley.
That love and support was on full display at Highland Park Rec Center on Saturday, with rock star and National Wrestling Alliance founder Billy Corgan leading a thousand-dollar fundraiser for Cooper's medical needs.
“In rock and roll, tell me that sometimes having fun is the best medicine,” says Corgan.
“What happened is of course the worst of what we see in humanity sometimes, but this event is the best of what people can do,” said Keeley.
Cooper loved every second of the show, with his twins and friends by his side.
“The fact that Cooper is in the front row watching us and cheering us on, it's a really cool feeling,” said NWA wrestler Missa Kate.
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All of that serves as a reminder of how the community moves forward together.
“You can't destroy us. You can't take our lives. You can't take our happiness, our joy,” Keeley said.
The fun and fundraising will continue on Sunday as well. The other series of matches will start at 2 pm