Return To School A 'Huge Motivation' For 8-Year-Old Mass Shooting Survivor Cooper Roberts

CHICAGO — The 8-year-old boy who survived a gunshot wound through his spine during the mass shooting at the Highland Park 4th of July parade is taking part in daily physical and occupational therapy, according to an update from his family.

Cooper Roberts, who was transferred on Sunday from the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, is expected to undergo six to 12 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation.

"Following that time, he will rejoin his twin brother Luke in third grade at Braeside Elementary School in Highland Park," according to the Roberts family. "This is a huge motivation for Cooper as he is excited to return to the classroom and see his friends."

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Roberts is likely to start with half-days at the North Shore School District 112 school while continuing to undergo long-term therapy at AbilityLab, his family said.

As of Tuesday, the rehab facility's medical team has not been able to conduct a full assessment of the extent of Roberts' spinal injuries to determine his full prognosis for the future because of continued swelling, according to his family.

Roberts' family credited staff at the rehabilitation center for their professionalism and commitment to assisting him while remaining sensitive to his anxiety and trauma.

Later this week, Roberts is due to be transported back to Comer Children's Hospital so that surgeons can assess the status of his healing from surgeries, which have included a heart graft and esophageal tear repairs.

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According to the Roberts family, the twin brothers are taking part in counseling and other mental health services to address the trauma of the shooting.

"Both Cooper and Luke are participating in private counseling and other mental health services to support their healing from the emotional and psychological trauma of the shooting," according to the update. "Cooper is experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, including flashbacks that are disrupting his sleep."

Luke Roberts suffered shrapnel injuries. After his twin brother was shot, he remained conscious and held a tourniquet over his mother's leg, Zion District 6 Superintendent Keely Roberts, she said last month.

As the family begins to process what they will need for Cooper Roberts to return home from inpatient care, family representatives said they are looking for wheelchair-accessible short-term rental housing as well as a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

"They must explore options for long-term housing for their large family as the Roberts’ 100-year-old home in Highland Park cannot be reconfigured to accommodate his rehabilitation needs for home-based therapies," it said.

Those wishing to mail well-wishes, donations or gifts may also send them to Zion Elementary School District 6, 2800 29th St., Zion.

As of Tuesday, a GoFundMe online fundraiser on the Roberts family's behalf has raised more than $1.72 million of a $2 million goal.

State Sen. Julie Morrison is also collecting cards for Cooper Roberts to be delivered to his family, her office announced Monday.

Morrison, who was riding in the parade during the shooting, encouraged as many people as possible to send or drop off cards at her 43 Highwood Ave. office in Highwood.

“Almost everyone in the community has been thinking about and cheering on Cooper throughout his recovery process,” Morrison said in a statement. “He’s doing much better, but still has a long way to go. Let’s show him how many people care.”

Earlier:

• 8-Year-Old Shooting Survivor Cooper Roberts Transferred To Rehab Center
• Mother Of 8-Year-Old Boy Shot In Highland Park Mass Shooting Describes Road Ahead
• Boy Paralyzed At Highland Park Parade Goes Outside For First Time Since July 4
• Condition Of 8-Year-Old Boy Shot, Paralyzed At July 4 Parade Improves