(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The mother of the boy seriously wounded in the Highland Park parade shooting is reflecting on the six-month anniversary of the life-changing event in a sometimes anguished update released Wednesday.
Eight-year-old Cooper Roberts was shot in the spine and paralyzed from the waist down when a sniper opened fire on crowds, killing seven and injuring dozens on July 4. The boy is doing his best to adjust after surgeries and physical rehabilitation, his mother, Keely Roberts, said.
But Cooper and his young siblings, including his twin brother, Luke, are still getting used to their new reality, the mother says. The family is living in temporary quarters and eventually will move into a home specially designed for Cooper’s needs.
“We are all sleep deprived. No one sleeps through the night. Luke has not left Cooper’s side since he came home. The boys share the same room and often, we will find one of our daughters in that room as well,” Keely Roberts said.
The mother was wounded herself in the leg in the attack and said she expects to have additional surgery to remove shrapnel.
“The doctors will do yet another digging and scraping to help alleviate the constant pain and swelling,” she said.
Keely Roberts also thanks all of the people who have offered comfort to the family and contributed money to help.
“One horrific person performed an unthinkably evil act but thousands and thousands of people – many complete strangers – have shown us the power of kindness. Thank you does not begin to cover it,” she said.
Suspected parade shooter Robert Crimo III awaits trial for murder and other charges. His father recently was charged with felonies for helping Crimo get his gun owner’s identification card when he was a minor.
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