The most heartbreaking news a parent could ever hear was delivered to the Bailey Cooper family.Cancer had struck their son. In 2016, the sweet boy was given a diagnosis of Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
His entire life suddenly revolved solely around treatments and doctor visits.
For a brief period of time, everyone got exactly what they hoped for—the best outcome.The cancer entered remission, but it only lasted a short time.
When the family was informed that the cancer had returned, Bailey resumed school, and everything appeared to be going as planned.Sadly, it meant more chemotherapy sessions and hospital stays.
Bailey began to feel better after the treatments appeared to be working once more.
Unfortunately, the devastating blow occurred in August:The cancer had returned once more, and the outlook was grim this time.
Lee, Bailey’s father, stated, “The consultant broke the news to us.”Even worse was Stage Four, which was late. It was extremely hostile.
The cancer had quickly spread.Bailey’s liver, stomach, chest, and lungs were all found to have lumps.He was given days, possibly weeks, to live.
Bailey was devastated when he heard the terrible news, but he was also determined to live to meet his baby sister, who was due in a few months.Everyone prayed that he would survive.
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Surprisingly, the young boy was a fighter.He was able to hold his newborn sister in November.He even got to choose her name with his parents:Millie.
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Rachel, Bailey’s mother, stated, “He hugged her and did everything an older brother would do — change her, wash her, sing to her.”
Bailey’s health deteriorated following the birth of Millie.
Bailey’s parents encouraged him to make a wish list in the hope that they would be able to spend Christmas together.
Bailey asked for Riley’s younger brother’s favorite gifts, demonstrating the same selflessness he had displayed throughout the battle.
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The extended family came to say their goodbyes just before Christmas.The young boy reprimanded her as Bailey’s grandmother wept and expressed her wish that she could take Bailey’s place:
He told her, “That is really selfish Nan.”You have to look after your grandchildren.
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Bailey had to undergo five painful days of radiotherapy when the cancer reached his brain.He then informed his family that it was time for him to leave at that point.
Bailey said, referring to his infant sister, “I want to stay but it’s my time to go, to become her guardian angel.”
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As the cancer spread throughout Bailey’s diminutive body on December 22, he lost consciousness.As he slowly slipped away, his family remained by his side.
Rachel stated, “We sat there, hour by hour, watching him slip away.”We listened to his favorite music and read him stories.
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We were at his bedside on Christmas Eve at 11:45 a.m.We were aware that it would be brief.We told him, “Bailey, it’s time to leave.”Stop.’”
Bailey shed a single tear at that exact instant.He peacefully took his last breath and passed away.
The family’s loss of their child was heartbreaking and devastating, but everyone was aware that Bailey was now at peace.
Lee stated, “We are numb, but in a way also happy that he is no longer in pain.”
They are now attempting to heed the wishes of their young son, who was way ahead of his time.
“At our most recent family gathering, he told us:You can only cry for twenty minutes, Rachel said.You must look after Riley and Millie.
Although this boy’s story is tragic and heartbreaking, people all over the world continue to be inspired by his bravery, strength, and positivity in the face of hardship.His family is aware that his light and legacy will endure as they mourn his passing.
Did Bailey’s bravery, positivity, and wisdom touch you?Then pass it on!
