Condition Of 8-Year-Old Boy Shot, Paralyzed At July 4 Parade Improves

CHICAGO — There were signs of improvement over the weekend in the condition of the 8-year-old boy who suffered a gunshot wound the abdomen while attending the Highland Park 4th of July parade, his family said Monday.

Cooper Roberts, of Highland Park, remains in critical condition in the pediatric intensive care unit Monday, but he been fever-free for 48 hours and is breathing on his own without a ventilator, according to an update from his family.

Roberts suffered a severed spinal cord, among other injuries, and underwent seven surgeries in the nine days following the Independence Day shooting.

Family members are hopeful that Roberts will be transferred out of intensive car later this week. He was due to have an ultrasound Monday to evaluate the next steps to handle fluid in his pelvis, according to the update.

"He sat up, with assistance, and took a brief first ride in a wheelchair over the weekend," it said, "sadly, something he will need to get used to. It was very difficult and emotional for him and his family."

Roberts' mother, Zion District 6 Elementary School Superintendent Keely Roberts, and his twin brother were also among the dozens of people wounded in the shooting, which left seven people dead.

"Please keep sending love and prayers to my son as he continues to fight as hard as he can," Roberts said in a statement last week.

A GoFundMe online fundraiser organized on behalf of the Roberts family had collected more than $1.6 million in over 24,000 donations, as of Monday afternoon.

"The family continues to be very grateful for and humbled by the outpouring of support and well-wishes and asks for continued prayers for Cooper’s healing," fundraiser organizers said. "Due to the costs associated with the long-term care that Cooper will need, we have increased the goal with the hope of raising additional funds for the Roberts family."

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More Patch coverage of the Highland Park July 4 Parade shooting