Two years ago, on December 22, 2022, Gavin and Mandy Brown’s family grew by one when they welcomed their son, Cooper, into the world. The Browns live in Australia; Mandy, however, is a Douglas native whose parents, Mike and Katherine Gaskins, still live here. Mandy has been living and working in Australia for over seven years and recently became a dual citizen.
At Mandy’s 12-week ultrasound, Mandy and Gavin learned that Cooper was different. He appeared to have an issue with his lower right leg. Initially, doctors thought it was clubfoot. However, when Cooper was born, he had no right foot and his lower right leg was shorter and narrower than his left. There was also some residual tissue at the bottom of his right leg that resembled the tissue on the bottom of a person’s foot.
Cooper had several surgeries on his right leg in order to prepare the limb for a future prosthesis that would enable him to one day walk. Cooper received his first prosthesis in September and that has made a tremendous difference in his confidence. He has spent a lot of time in physical therapy and the progress, as well as the effect it has had on his personality, is noteworthy.
Cooper’s tenacity and indomitable spirit inspired Mandy to publish “Super Cooper is a Trooper” earlier this year. The book recognizes the milestones Cooper has achieved but it also serves as a way to help other children, parents, and families facing difficult circumstances and the uncomfortable conversations that come with those circumstances. Mandy also recognizes the inquisitive nature of children. The book helps explain Cooper’s differences while also highlighting how similar he is to other children. “As Cooper’s mom, I will always advocate for him in a way that encourages Cooper and others to be more inclusive. I also encourage others to question and learn more about their peers or friends with disabilities. Our biggest message to others is that Cooper is very much like any other child his age. He just needs a prosthesis to do certain things,” says Mandy.
The Browns are in Douglas for the holidays and will be at Blue Sage, located at 101 North Peterson Avenue Suite 1A downtown, for a book signing on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Copies of the book will be available for $10 and a portion of the sales will be donated to limb difference organizations that have specifically supported the Brown family. If you are unable to make the book signing, copies are also available at Amazon.
“We are so thankful for the support of our friends and family in Douglas who have continued to pray for us and share Cooper’s story. We are truly grateful,” says Mandy.