Cool Story Of Des Moines Native Jeremy Hellickson And Leukemia Patient Carson Cooper
Johnston, Ia. — Carson Cooper’s bedroom is more like a shrine.
Scattered throughout the room are autographed baseballs, photos and magazine covers featuring Jeremy Hellickson. In the corner hangs an autographed jersey of the Des Moines native turned Major League Baseball star.
But, Hellickson is more than just an idol to Carson, 10. The Tampa Bay Rays pitcher has become an inspiration and, more importantly, a friend. Hellickson has helped Cooper through his battles with leukemia.
“Carson goes through a lot,” Hellickson said. “I guess if I can get out as a distraction or whatever I’m doing out there, if I can make him happy for a little bit, it makes me happy.”
Before Jeremy became a big-leaguer with a 90 mph fastball and a devastating changeup, he was running around yards playing with members of the Cooper family.
Birthdays, holidays and other celebrations were spent together. Over the years, the family watched the right-hander rise to national fame as an American League Rookie of the Year and Gold Glove winner.
Over time, Hellickson got to know Carson.
“Carson — he’s my little brother,” Hellickson said. “I never had one growing up, so him and my little cousins are my little brothers.”
When Hellickson made his second career start in the big leagues at Detroit in 2010, the Coopers — Carson, his dad Jack, mother Pam and sister Hailey — drove through the night to make it in time for the first pitch.
They’ve since traveled the Midwest to see Hellickson pitch in Chicago, Kansas City, Detroit, and Minnesota.
“It’s pretty cool to see him out there,” Jack said. “What he’s worked for, what he’s dreamed of, what he’s good at, his passion, to see him be able to do that, I think it’s pretty awesome.”
Tragedy brought them closer together. Just days after making the trek to Minnesota to watch Hellickson start against the Twins in 2011, Carson emerged from the shower with his legs covered in bruises.
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At the hospital, Carson was immediately taken to a room.
Pam remembers thinking, “Something’s not right,” after it seemed doctors and nurses were not making eye contact with the family.
Carson would be diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Pam and Jack opted to wait until the next day to deliver the news to their son.
“The first question out of his mouth (was), ‘Am I going to die?’ ” Pam recalled.
The family was assured that it was treatable.
News quickly spread to Hellickson, who was in the middle of his first full season in the majors. The news hit Hellickson hard, and he wanted to help his friend.
The Rays pitcher gathered some things — a Johnny Damon jersey, a Rays clock, a stocking cap of his own, some autographs along with a few other things — and packed them away in a giant box that he sent to Carson in Iowa.
“He’s got a huge heart,” Hellickson said. “I just love helping out.”
The package was at the family’s home in Johnston waiting for Carson when he came home for a few hours during his stay in the hospital.
“I felt pretty excited,” Carson said.
Hellickson, the former Des Moines Hoover star, got health updates via text message with Pam and Jack.
In the hospital, the Coopers would huddle around a computer to watch each of Hellickson’s starts. The games provided comforting moments away from the needles, nurses and doctors — who knew not to bother the family during a Hellickson game.
“It definitely made things a lot easier and smoother just to have that joy to look forward to,” Pam said.
When Hellickson had his baseball jersey retired at Hoover two years ago, members of his family gathered on the basketball court to pose for a picture. As they surrounded him, Hellickson motioned over for Carson and Hailey to venture over with him.
Last year, Hellickson tagged along with Cooper to a doctor’s appointment. The pitcher sat in the room and watched his friend get poked with needles and go through his usual treatments.
“It does hit you a bit,” Hellickson said. “I don’t know how he gets through it. He’s one of the strongest kids I know. It’s pretty tough to do what he’s doing at such a young age and keep the smile on his face.”
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Good on you Jeremy Hellickson. It’s cool to see guys who made it come back and give back to the community. Keep fighting Carson.