Highland Park's Cooper Roberts Off Feeding Tube, IV, Races Wheelchair

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — For the first time since being paralyzed at Highland Park’s July 4 parade, Cooper Roberts is eating on his own.

The 8-year-old youngster who was among those seriously injured in the mass shooting that killed seven people is in better spirits now that he is off of an IV and feeding tube, as well as pain medication and antibiotics, his family said in their weekly statement regarding Cooper’s condition.

The Roberts family also released video footage of Cooper racing his wheelchair through the halls of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, where he is being treated. While the family still has no definite timeline for Cooper to regain any or some of the motor skills he lost when he was shot and injured at the Highland Park parade, his family says it is encouraged that the boy’s mood is improving.

“Removing all the tubes has been a huge mood booster for Cooper,” the family said in its statement on Tuesday. “(Cooper) is able to eat some of his favorite foods and start maneuvering in his wheelchair better without the tubes getting in the way and causing him pain.

“You can see his energy coming back as he participates in a wheelchair race down the hallway.”

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On Tuesday, Cooper also received a visit from former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier, who suffered a spinal injury before rehabilitating through the injury in 2017. Cooper suffered a severed spinal cord in the shooting, as well as sustaining other injuries to his internal organs.

The family characterized Shazier's visit on Tuesday as "transparent, authentic, genuine and gracious."

His family said that in addition to being off of the feeding tubes, Cooper is able to enjoy some of his favorite foods including McDonald’s, extra-cheddar blasted Goldfish crackers, Cheetos and Chick-fil-A along with another favorite, Lay’s dill-flavored potato chips.

Still, his family knows Cooper faces a long road ahead.

“Even 50 days past his injury, the doctors don’t know what he may get back and what limitations we will live with for his lifetime,” the family statement said on Tuesday.

A GoFundMe effort to assist the family has raised nearly $2 million. Cooper’s twin brother, Luke, and his mother, Keely, were also injured in the parade shooting. The family update said Tuesday that because of restrictions at the rehab center, Cooper and Luke are only able to spend a couple of hours each week together.

Those wishing to send well-wishes, donations or gifts may send them to Zion Elementary School District 6, 2800 29th St., Zion, where Roberts' mother is the superintendent.

"We do know that we are infinitely grateful for his survival, and for the many kindnesses we continue to receive, including from all who are working to help Cooper and others impacted heal from this nightmare," the family said Tuesday. "Thank you to all who have sent well-wishes, prayers, gifts and donations."

Watch Cooper Roberts take part in a wheelchair race (video courtesy of Roberts family):

Read more of Patch's coverage on the Highland Park shooting.