At 11 years old, Cooper Farrall learned he had type 1 diabetes. The Valparaiso, Indiana, elementary school student didn’t have to go far to find help. From the moment he stepped through the doors of La Rabida Chicago Children’s Diabetes Center (CCDC) in St. John, he felt completely supported on his journey.
“One of the most challenging components is the mental health aspect of diabetes,” says CCDC Medical Director Dr. Anita Swamy. “There is a significant burden and burnout. Both children and their families experience this as a true chronic condition, and there’s no vacation from it.”
Dr. Swamy and the CCDC team of pediatric clinicians, social workers, and psychologists build strong relationships with La Rabida patients, like Cooper, and work with families every step of the way to navigate the condition. “These bonds mean such a great deal to me. They reinforce the entire reason I chose to become a pediatric doctor,” says Dr. Swamy. “I love celebrating our patients’ successes with them and seeing them grow and mature.”
With the support and tools from the CCDC team, Cooper has shown that a chronic condition doesn’t define what’s possible for the future. Ten years later, the 11-year-old with dreams of playing college basketball is now living that dream.
Today, Cooper is a college senior and star athlete who led the Bentley University basketball team in scoring and was a First-Team All-Conference selection.
Earlier this month, he hosted a free basketball camp for current La Rabida patients to give back to the program that helped make his dreams a reality and to pay it forward to children like him who are living with complex and chronic conditions.
“When you consider the opportunities and challenges athletes will have, it’s great to have the support and expertise of La Rabida Children’s Hospital behind them,” says Cooper. “I know, as a former patient, it meant the world to me, and I’m grateful for how Dr. Swamy and her team helped me. This camp is one way I want to show my gratitude and inspire the next generation.”
