Back in 2017, Hunter Cooper’s world was flipped upside down when he was diagnosed with leukemia, a cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system.

Hunter was preparing to start out a new school year as an incoming middle schooler, but instead he was faced with the battle of a lifetime. 

Today, Hunter is thriving. 

Now that he’s a senior, he reflects on all the challenges he has overcome and how all that he has been through has impacted him. 

“Over the years with my experiences I’ve realized that every day is truly a blessing,” Hunter says. “Even some things I took for granted, like school, has been a blessing for all the memories I made here.”

While Hunter has been reflecting on his past, he has also started to plan for the future.

“I plan on attending Morehead for college and after that completing a doctorate for physical therapy,” Hunter says. 

Many find Hunter’s unstoppable attitude admirable. The comeback he has made is inspiring, and he has not struggled at all to make amazing memories and pick up new hobbies.

“During my treatment I struggled a lot with weakness,” he explains. “Once I was done with treatment I didn’t want to feel weak anymore. This brought me to the gym and got me interested in working out. Since then, I’ve worked out consistently for about a year and a half now and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.”

Hunter’s mother, Amy, has gotten the privilege of watching Hunter grow into the strong individual he is today.

“I feel like the many health challenges and setbacks he’s faced have given him a little different perspective on life,” she says. “Being faced with a life-threatening illness, you quickly learn what things are truly important, and what things are not.”

Mom says Cooper has learned “not to sweat the small stuff.”

“I feel like he has a deeper appreciation now for all of God’s blessings in his life,” she continues, “and a tenacity to keep reaching for his goals, even when life throws curve balls.”

Hunter will be finishing out senior year stronger than ever and his story will continue to inspire many. 

“For anyone going through hardship, whatever it may be, you have to find hope,” Hunter says. “I  personally found hope in my faith and my relationship with Jesus but you have to find hope in some way.”