The Cooper Trooper Pumpkin Patch will be available from October 18 to 31, 2025, at 530 Cool Springs Boulevard, Franklin, for its 16th year.
Visiting the Cooper Trooper Pumpkin Patch has become a fall “family tradition” for many in this community. But, for the Cook family, it is more than just about selling pumpkins. This special fundraiser, which started to help families who have been diagnosed with childhood cancer, holds a special place in the hearts of those who are behind it.
In 2009, the Cooper Trooper Foundation (a 501(c)3 non-profit) was initiated after Rod and Missy Cook’s youngest son, Cooper, was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer called Infantile Fibrosarcoma, at the age of 8 weeks.
It was through their traumatic journey that the Cooks realized that there was a huge need for sibling resources. During Cooper’s treatment, they experienced this first-hand with Cooper’s older brothers, who were often unintentionally “lost in the shuffle”, as all the focus was on their sick brother. Hence came Courage Kits for siblings of children with cancer, and a non-profit foundation was born. These kits are free and provided to individuals and hospitals. The intention is to remember and celebrate a sibling’s strength and courage, provide education, and enhance total family care. Along the way, the family learned that research specific to childhood cancer was severely underfunded and decided to make that a part of their mission as well. Over the past 16 years, the Pumpkin Patch has raised over $435,000 for childhood cancer research at Vanderbilt University.
Not only does the Pumpkin Patch fulfill a mission of helping families who have been diagnosed with childhood cancer, but there is a part of the story that goes even deeper. Tragically, in 2013, Rod Cook (Co-founder with his wife, Missy, and father to Cooper) died suddenly after suffering a massive cardiac arrest at the age of 42. It is their heart’s desire for Missy and her three boys to continue the legacy that Rod was so passionate about. As a way to honor and remember him, the t-shirts worn by volunteers and sold at the patch since 2013 have displayed Rod’s initials on the sleeve “RC 1971-2013.”
When you purchase your pumpkins from the Cooper Trooper Pumpkin Patch, you really are getting “Pumpkins with a Purpose.” 100% of profit from the patch fundraiser goes toward fulfilling the mission of childhood cancer research and sibling support.
Find the latest updates on the Cooper Foundation website here.
Please join our FREE Newsletter
