When it comes to challenges, Cooper Starling has experienced more than his fair share this year.
Earlier in the year, after seeing a doctor about a pain in his knee, further scans brought devastating news. Cooper was diagnosed with a rare form of soft tissue cancer, called sarcoma.
With that news came another crushing blow. In order to have the best shot at survival, Cooper would need to have his leg amputated at the knee.
“It was the worst day of my life,” Cooper said. “There were many sleepless nights thinking about what my future would look like. How would I get down on one knee to propose to my girlfriend, or play with my kids? But I’ll take being alive with one leg over the alternative.”
After months of nausea-inducing chemotherapy, Cooper had his operation last April. He threw himself into recovery and was on crutches within 24 hours of surgery.
He also began documenting his experience on Instagram and TikTok and has amassed a large international following. “I want to change the stigma around cancer and show people it’s not a death sentence,” explains Cooper.
Three months post-surgery, Cooper isn’t looking back. With the end of treatment in sight, he’s taken on a new challenge – tackling 100km with his best mate for Go the Distance. He hopes as many people as possible will join him to raise funds for Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
“I am so thankful that I have Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. I truly don’t know what my time would be like without it. I’ve been given a second chance at life, and I owe it to myself to give back.”
