Cooper’s Crew is dedicated to finding a cure for Sarcoma, making wishes come true for children with cancer and granting scholarships for North Gwinnett High School students who have overcome unique adversities or hardships.

At age 13, in May of 2013, Cooper O’Brien was diagnosed with Clear Cell Sarcoma Cancer. As you can imagine, his parents Kevin and Donna and younger brother Parker, were completely blindsided. Rarely seen in children, there was little to no research, funding or treatment options for his type of cancer. In fact, throughout Cooper’s journey, heartbreaking truths about childhood cancer as a whole were uncovered. Did you know that only 4% of U.S. federal funding is allocated to any type of childhood cancer research? It seems unfair, because it is! But, Cooper O’Brien stirred a fire in the souls of so many people who knew him, even those who never had the chance to meet him: a fire that we are not letting burn out.

Cooper tragically passed away on July 5th, 2015, leaving a hole in the heart of our community. It’s hard not to be angry at times…and impossible to understand “why.” But, that isn’t what Cooper would have wanted. Throughout his fight, Cooper faced each day with a strong and positive attitude that inspired everyone around him. He never let cancer get in the way of spending time with family, playing basketball and laughing with his friends.

In 2013, Cooper’s Crew was formed as a support group and to ensure that Cooper was living every final moment of his life to the fullest! In the final months of his life, the community banded together to organize the inaugural Cooper O’Brien golf tournament at River Club in order to raise much-needed funds for the family. Cooper was smiling and enjoying every moment of that day!

Now, Cooper’s Crew is dedicated to giving other kids, just like Cooper, the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest too: by bridging the childhood cancer funding gap, finding a cure for Sarcoma, making wishes come true for children with cancer and granting scholarships for North Gwinnett High School students who have overcome unique adversities or hardships.

At the Cooper O’Brien Memorial Golf Tournament, the life of this courageous, inspirational, young man will continue to be honored. “We really do want this to be a community event and a celebration of Cooper’s life,” explained Kevin and Donna O’Brien.

With a kid’s golf contest and family-friendly dinner, awards ceremony and silent auction immediately following the tournament, it truly will be a fun event that even non-golfers can enjoy! All golfers receive admission to the dinner event, as well as a custom gift bag, shirt, lunch and beverages on the course. Businesses and individuals have been donating wonderful items for the tournament and auction, once again banding together to create an awesome, community event. Advance registration is required at cooperscrew.com for both golfers and dinner guests.

Cooper O’Brien’s light shines on in our community as we advocate together for a cure and hope for other children.