When Cooper was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) just after his second birthday, his mother, Erika, and the rest of the family faced a daunting prognosis. Despite the lack of available treatments at the time, Cooper’s indomitable spirit and love of life have shone through. Two years later, the FDA approved treatment and Cooper’s journey to slow the progression of SMA began. Through homeschooling, Cooper’s curiosity flourished, and he continued to overcome odds and exceed expectations. Recently, Cooper’s commitment to the SMA community led him to selflessly volunteer for a clinical study, showcasing his willingness to contribute to scientific advancements and help others like himself.

The discovery of Ranken Jordan’s outpatient therapy intensive program came through the supportive and well-connected SMA community. After hearing about the program from another family, Cooper’s parents reached out for more information, eager to find an outpatient option that could provide the specialized care Cooper needed. The nature of a week-long burst of therapy rather than regular once weekly visits better fir the family’s schedule as they live roughly two and a half hours away from the hospital.

Their initial visit to Ranken Jordan set the tone for the rest of their treatment. Erika, explains, “The facility is INCREDIBLE. It doesn’t feel like a hospital at all. Every nook and cranny has something special. Little places to sit, books to read, puzzles to work on, the list goes on and on. Finding out the various activities that happen throughout the week (library books to take, rock climbing, musical performances) was such a treat.” She also remarked that the staff’s kindness and enthusiasm were evident from the start, making the family feel at home and excited about the journey ahead.

The intensive therapy sessions at Ranken Jordan stood out from Cooper’s previous experiences with standard therapy. These multiple daily sessions over a five-day period allowed therapists to immediately build on each other’s progress, tailoring activities to Cooper’s interests and needs. An active child, Cooper regularly participates in wheelchair basketball, adaptive baseball, video gaming, and reading, all while pursuing Junior Ranger badges through the National Parks System. Therapists incorporated these things into his care plan, a dynamic approach that ensured Cooper remained engaged and motivated. The therapists’ willingness to adapt and innovate on the spot created a collaborative and supportive environment for the whole family.

One of the most significant improvements Cooper experienced was through Aquatic Therapy, which quickly became his favorite part of the program. This type of physical therapy helped him activate new muscles in a low impact setting, with noticeable improvements continuing even after the therapy ended. Cooper’s mother remarked at the therapists’ ability to connect with him on a personal level played a crucial role in his engagement and success. She saw that their enthusiasm and support empowered Cooper to push his limits and achieve his fullest potential.

The various therapy styles, paired with the support from the entire Ranken Jordan staff and volunteers, created a positive atmosphere that Copper’s family says made therapy feel like a fun and rewarding adventure. “If I could have moved in, I would have! The top-of-the-line equipment, incredible therapists, and the impressive facility made our one-week intensive therapy feel like a fun daily activity.” When asked what she would share with other caregivers considering intensives, Erika replied “My advice is, don’t wait to schedule. If your child can benefit from any form of therapy, an intensive can help jump start that improvement and Ranken Jordan’s staff will do everything they can to help your child achieve (and exceed) their goals.”