HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The mother of the 8-year-old boy shot in the Highland Park Fourth of July parade mass shooting, says her son is moving forward with his recovery, but it’s "slow and difficult" and at times painful.
The update comes in a written statement from the mother of Cooper Roberts, Keely Roberts, who says he desperately wants to walk again, run and play with his brother and sisters.
"Cooper has continued to work tirelessly," she wrote.
"Even on days when he is tired, scared, feels pain or when, as an eight-year-old little boy, his belief in the value of physical therapy is waning, he pushes forward."
She also thanked her community for all the support the family has received and pointed to the French bulldog puppy the family got last year that has been emotional support in Cooper’s recovery.
Friends of the family have now created a new GoFundMe account. They are hoping to raise enough money to support a new, accessible home that is easier for Cooper to navigate.
Cooper was the youngest victim of the July 4th parade shooting in Highland Park. He was left partially paralyzed.
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