Bailey Cooper’s family faced the worst news any parent could hear: their son had cancer. In 2016, the 9-year-old was diagnosed with Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
His life quickly became focused on treatments and hospital visits.
For a while, things looked hopeful as the cancer went into remission. Bailey returned to school, and life felt normal again. But the cancer came back, forcing him to undergo more chemotherapy and hospital stays. Once again, the treatments seemed to help, and Bailey began feeling better.
Bailey Cooper’s family faced the worst news any parent could hear: their son had cancer. In 2016, the 9-year-old was diagnosed with Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
His life quickly became focused on treatments and hospital visits.
For a while, things looked hopeful as the cancer went into remission. Bailey returned to school, and life felt normal again. But the cancer came back, forcing him to undergo more chemotherapy and hospital stays. Once again, the treatments seemed to help, and Bailey began feeling better.
“Bailey hugged his baby sister and did everything a big brother would—he changed her, washed her, and sang to her,” said his mom, Rachel.
After Millie was born, Bailey’s health got worse.
Hoping to celebrate Christmas together, his parents asked him to make a list of gifts he wanted. True to his caring nature, Bailey chose gifts that his younger brother, Riley, would enjoy instead.
Just before Christmas, family members came to say their goodbyes. When Bailey’s grandmother tearfully said she wished she could take his place, Bailey gently scolded her.
“That’s really selfish, Nan,” Bailey gently told his grandmother. “You have grandchildren to take care of.
When the cancer spread to his brain, Bailey endured five difficult days of radiotherapy. It was then he told his family it was time for him to go.
“I want to stay, but it’s my time to go and become her guardian angel,” he said, speaking of his baby sister.
On December 22, Bailey became unresponsive as the cancer took over. His family stayed by his side, reading him stories and playing his favorite music, as they watched him slowly slip away.
“By Christmas Eve morning, we knew it wouldn’t be long,” his mom, Rachel, said. “At 11:45 a.m., we were by his side and told him, ‘It’s time to go, Bailey. Stop.’”
In that moment, a single tear rolled down Bailey’s cheek. He took his final breath and passed away peacefully.
The loss of their son was devastating, shattering the family’s hearts. But they found comfort in knowing that Bailey was finally free from pain.
“We feel numb, but we’re also relieved he’s no longer suffering,” said his dad, Lee.
The family now strives to honor Bailey’s wishes, remembering the wisdom he shared despite his young age.
“In our last family meeting, he told us, ‘You’re only allowed to cry for 20 minutes. You need to take care of Riley and Millie,’” Rachel recalled.
Bailey’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. His strength, courage, and positive spirit in the face of hardship have touched people around the world. Though his family grieves, they find solace in knowing his light and legacy will never fade.
