Cooper Trooper Pumpkin Patch

The Cooper Trooper Foundation, a 501(c)3, non-profit, will hold its 13th Annual Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser from October 15-October 31, 2022, at the corner of Cool Springs Blvd and Mallory Lane in Franklin, TN, in front of Walgreens. One hundred percent of the profit, after pumpkins and operational costs are paid for, goes directly to Cooper Trooper Foundation, whose mission not only supports the siblings; but also funds childhood cancer research. It takes hundreds of volunteers to operate the Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser, which is open Sunday - Friday 10am-7pm, and Saturday 9am-8pm.

The Cooper Trooper Foundation originally began in 2009, after Rod and Missy Cook's youngest son, Cooper, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at 8 weeks old. It didn't take long to see the impact this had; not only on Cooper, but on the entire family, including his two older brothers. They quickly realized the lack of support and resources for parents who were already overwhelmed with taking care of their sick child, yet still needing to meet the needs of their other two boys.

Cooper’s parents began the foundation as a way to emotionally support and recognize the often-overlooked siblings. “Courage Kits” for siblings were created to remind the siblings of children with cancer that they are not forgotten, even when much of the focus turns toward their brother or sister with cancer. Courage Kits are sent to individuals and are also distributed in hospitals across the country. Not only do these kits provide items specifically created to encourage the siblings, they also act as a resource for parents. Through the book provided, open discussions with parents are often had about the sibling’s feelings during the traumatic time. Plus, it brightens the sibling’s day to receive a package just for them, when so many times the child with cancer is the only one showered with gifts and attention.

Additionally, Cooper Trooper Foundation provides funding in support of childhood cancer research. Because of the success of the Pumpkin Patch, CTF has now given $420,000 toward an endowed fund set up at the hospital where Cooper was treated, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Thankfully, Cooper is a healthy, cancer-free, 13-year-old, who attends school at Page Middle in Franklin, TN. He can often be found volunteering, along with his brothers at the Pumpkin Patch in October.

Sadly, Cooper’s father (Rod) unexpectedly died in 2013, at the age of 42. Each year, volunteers at the Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser wear shirts with his initials “RC” on the sleeve, to honor and remember Rod’s passion for starting Cooper Trooper Foundation. Missy, her three boys, and her new husband, Andy, continue the legacy that her and Rod started in 2009.

Learn more about the foundation, the pumpkin patch and volunteer opportunities at: www.coopertrooper.org