Cooper was 3 when she was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in March 2020. She endured two and a half years of treatment at Phoenix Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, finally “ringing the bell” to mark the completion of treatment in September 2022.
Today, Cooper is a vibrant 7-year-old who loves her friends, creating art, and playing softball and golf. Her father, David, describes her as “feisty and strong-willed.” She visits the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders for follow-up care every two months, but she spends much less time there than she used to.
David says that Cooper's illness profoundly changed their family. “The PTSD is intense,” he says. “You just worry differently.”
After Cooper finished treatment, David sought to make sense of the experience by turning it into something positive and useful. He found inspiration in one of his longtime passions: yoga.
Yoga for a cause
In 1998, David and a college friend founded At One Yoga in Phoenix, and it quickly grew into a popular studio with locations across the Valley. “It turned into a whole community,” he says.
He and his co-founder sold the business in 2010, but in the ensuing years, he often heard from people in the yoga community who wanted him to bring it back. After Cooper's battle with leukemia, he saw an opportunity to channel his love of yoga into support for a cause near and dear to his heart. In 2023, he founded At One Yoga Festival, a one-day event benefiting Phoenix Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
David's goal was not only to raise funds for CCBD, but also to build community awareness about Phoenix Children's and what families like his experience there. “Everyone drives by Phoenix Children's, but they don't know what's going on inside,” he says. “When you realize kids are fighting for their lives right now, it's refreshing to change your perspective.”
After a successful inaugural year, the festival is back for 2024. David says he's excited to bring the community together again to support children like Cooper.
“Kids respond to love and support,” he says. “To feel the love and support of the community is a huge part of the healing process.”
Reserve your mat
The 2024 At One Yoga Festival will be held on September 14 at Mullett Arena in Tempe and will include yoga classes with a live DJ, giveaways, meditation sessions, vendor booths and more. Tickets are $40 for general admission and $100 for VIP admission.
A look back at Cooper's journey
Watch Cooper's video to see how her journey to Phoenix Children's began.
Behind the scenes
See what a typical visit to Phoenix Children's was like for Cooper when she was in the middle of treatment.
Cooper, and her mom, McKenna, arrive at Phoenix Children's. At this stage, there are no detectable cancerous cells in Cooper’s body. However, there’s a chance “hidden” cancerous cells may still be present.
They sign in at the front desk and get a visitor’s pass.
McKenna and Cooper electronically check in for their appointment via the kiosk, a system that speeds up the registration process and prevents long lines from forming.
Cooper plays games on her iPad and chats with her mom while they wait for Cooper’s name to be called. McKenna creates positive associations for Cooper at the hospital—she packs snacks and gives Cooper ample time on her iPad—treats Cooper normally doesn’t have access to at home. “I try to make it fun for her,” McKenna says.
Cooper stands on a scale for her weekly weigh-in, as chemotherapy is tailored to each patient's weight and our patients grow quickly! It is also critical that our cancer patients aren't losing or gaining too much weight. Sometimes, a dietician gets involved to keep them on track.
Cooper gets her blood pressure and temperature checked. High blood pressure is a common side effect of cancer treatment.
Haley, a child life specialist, distracts Cooper with her favorite videos while Will, a phlebotomist, prepares to draw Cooper’s blood. Regular bloodwork is important because the healthcare team needs to monitor Cooper’s white blood cell levels. If her counts are high, the chemo isn't killing enough of her leukemia cells. If her counts are low, she's at risk for infection.
Cooper and McKenna joke around while they wait to see pediatric nurse practitioner Britt Olson. Twenty years ago, McKenna’s brother was treated for cancer at Phoenix Children’s. “I’m prepared to do this because I watched my mom experience what I’m going through today,” says McKenna. “My brother had a 40 percent prognosis, and he’s still alive today. We’re going to get through this.”
Britt visits with Cooper and McKenna. Then Britt examines Cooper and goes over her lab tests. Cooper receives an exam and bloodwork monthly, and IV chemo every three months. She takes quite a few medications at home every day.
After her appointment, which takes about two hours, Cooper gets to have a prize from the Treasure Tower.
Now it’s time to head home and play!
Because of the world-class care she has received—and the generosity of the donors who support Phoenix Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders—Cooper's future looks bright.
Hundreds of children like Cooper come to Phoenix Children’s Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood
Disorders every year to receive the family-centered care we’re known for. Your support of CCBD allows us to provide the most advanced care with a compassionate touch.
If you have a story about how your life has been touched by Phoenix Children’s, we want to hear from you.
