Bailey Cooper was an ordinary young boy until doctors diagnosed him with aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. His life quickly became filled with hospital visits and chemotherapy, yet he remained cheerful and positive, a light to his family in dark times.
In February 2017, Bailey was declared cancer-free and returned to school. But by Easter, the disease had returned. He fought bravely once more and again went into remission, giving his family hope.
That hope was shattered in August when the cancer came back for a third time — now stage four and spreading to his chest, lungs, liver, and stomach. Doctors said there was nothing more they could do.
Despite knowing his time was short, Bailey stayed strong for one reason — he wanted to meet his baby sister. Against all odds, he lived to hold newborn Millie in November, even choosing her name.
As his strength faded, Bailey’s selflessness shone through. When asked for a Christmas list, he requested toys for his younger brother, Riley, instead.
Before passing, he comforted his grandmother, telling her, “That’s really selfish, Nan. You have grandchildren to look after.”
On December 22, 2017, surrounded by family, Bailey took his final breath peacefully, one tear slipping down his cheek. His last words to his parents were, “You’re only allowed to cry for 20 minutes. You have to take care of Riley and Millie.”
Though heartbroken, Bailey’s family finds peace knowing their brave boy is no longer in pain — and believe he’s watching over them as Millie’s guardian angel.