You helped bring Cooper home!

Your support helps babies like Cooper, born at just 24 weeks, go home with their families.

Born on 5 April 2019, Cooper spent 125 days at Mater Mothers’ Hospitals’ Neonatal Critical Care Unit. It’s been a long road for Cooper and his first-time parents Jessica and Bradley, with Jessica being diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia at just 22 weeks pregnant, followed by HELLP Syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and a low platelet count) at 24 weeks.

The conditions meant that Jessica’s blood pressure was very high and she had issues with her liver and platelet levels.

“My liver was struggling; I needed to give birth straight away not only for my health but for Cooper as he was being depleted of nutrients,” she said.

Born via caesarean at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane weighing only 645 grams, Cooper was put on a ventilator straight away as he couldn’t breathe due to his lungs being so underdeveloped.

“As first time parents, it was a very scary situation to be in.  I was rushed to ICU and I didn’t get to meet Cooper until 30 hours after he was born,” Jessica said.

“Cooper’s had infections, blood transfusions, a partially collapsed lung and a nasal airway obstruction requiring surgery; just to mention a few of his issues.”

Cooper was on a ventilator on and off for the first 12 weeks of his life and has required oxygen 24 hours a day since. Doctors expect that in a matter of weeks Cooper will be able to breathe on his own.

Cooper has been involved in several research trials including the SuPreme study which is investigating the role of sulphate deficiency as a risk factor for cerebral palsy amongst premature babies.

While Cooper has a long way to go, Jessica said they were focused on caring for him at home and watching him progress.

“Cooper has done so well considering what he’s been through and that’s thanks to the amazing staff at Mater who have looked after him,”

“Our family would sincerely like to thank the caring hospital staff, dedicated research teams and supporters like you. Without all of you, families would not be able to take their miracle babies home from hospital. Our gorgeous boy Cooper is one of these miracle babies,” she said.

Your purchase of Mater lottery tickets provides vital funding for research and patient care, giving babies like Cooper, the best possible chance for a healthy life.

Thank you for impacting lives!