Former Iolan Jesse Cooper, 24, continues to recover from injuries he suffered in a March 12 accident near Colony that claimed the life of an Erie woman.
Mike Cooper, Jesse’s father, told the Register that his son’s recovery has astounded even the doctors at the University of Kansas Medical Center who have treated the younger Cooper.
“After his first surgery, they told us he could be in ICU for up to six weeks,” Mike Cooper said. “Instead, he was out in five days.”
Since the accident, Cooper has undergone three surgeries, the first to stem the internal bleeding that doctors originally feared would claim his life. Surgeons later had to go back in to remove pooled blood that had caused him severe abdominal cramps.
“They weren’t sure if the bleeding was from other injuries or from the surgeries,” Mike Cooper said.
Cooper also underwent reconstructive surgery on his right heel and ankle, both of which were badly broken, as well as surgery to broken cheek and sinus bones.
“At every step of the way, the doctors have planned for Jesse to be able to dance again,” his father said.
Cooper, who now lives in Overland Park, got his start as a dancer and later an instructor with Iola’s South Street Dance Company. For the past year, he’s danced with the Dayton, Ohio, Ballet Company and had been planning to reopen South Street as an instructor starting in April.
Mike Cooper said the studio will reopen, but “a lot will depend on his recovery.”
Cooper could be dismissed from the hospital “within the week,” his father said, “and then he’ll start his physical therapy.”
The support from the community has been overwhelming, Mike Cooper said.
“We’ve gotten literally thousands of messages from people across the country,” he said. “We can feel their prayers.”
Cooper said doctors have commented that his son’s peak physical condition as a dancer may have played a role in his rapid recovery.
“The credit should go to God,” Mike Cooper said.
Former Iolan continues recovery
