Teen who got support messages dies of cancer

Cooper Ricciardi has been battling leukemia since 2013. Yasmeen Hassan reports.

By: Yasmeen Hassan , Joyce Lupiani

UPDATE: Cooper Ricciardi died Tuesday evening, according to his parents on Facebook.

On Tuesday March 29th at 7:10 pm last evening our precious son Cooper peacefully went home to be with our Lord. He is safe in Jesus arms now.
Posted by PRAY FOR COOPER on Wednesday, March 30, 2016

There will be a vigil Thursday night for Cooper. It will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Desert Oasis High School soccer field.

You are invited...To honor Cooper Davis Owen Ricciardi there will be a Candlelight Vigil held Thursday 3/31/16 at 7:30...
Posted by PRAY FOR COOPER on Wednesday, March 30, 2016

ORIGINAL STORY

Cooper Ricciardi of Las Vegas has been battling leukemia since 2013. He and his family recently decided to stop treatment, and spend every moment they can together.

When Cooper's health began to decline, his friends wanted to do something special for the brave 18 year old. So, Trish Georges with Cancer Train in Las Vegas reached out to New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. through Facebook.

"Cooper's a huge Giants fan so I thought what a way to make him smile. So I started out by sending a message to Odell on Facebook and then it kind of exploded," Georges said.

The wish for a message from Beckham on the "Pray for Cooper" Facebook page went viral. As word began to spread, videos and pictures from people all over the world, including several professional athletes and celebrities, began pouring in.

Some of the stars and athletes that have sent messages to Cooper include country singer Garth Brooks, Las Vegas baseball phenom Bryce Harper, former hockey player Jamal Mayers, UFC champ Randy Couture, BMX star T. J. Lavin, Broncos player DeMarcus Ware, and Anthony Tolliver of the Detroit Pistons.

Happy Easter! Today Jesus is risen. There is nothing to fear, He has saved us from death and because of this, one day we will all rise and be together for eternity. ?? PEACEI was blessed to get a special message from one of my most favorite people. ♥? Forever together. Thank you for your kind words Mr Garth Brooks from the bottom of my momma heart this blessed me more than you'll ever know! #imyourbiggestfan #garthbrooksforcoop #Heisrisen
Posted by PRAY FOR COOPER on Sunday, March 27, 2016

And yes, Odell Beckham also responded.

It's been a crazy few days and after a couple of conversations with Odell, I can tell you all he really does care. I walk away from this with a different perspective and a lesson that I never intended to learn, and I thank Odell for that. I got to see Coop briefly today - this one's for you, my friend... #teamcoop #cancertrain #odellbeckhamjr #newyorkgiants #webleedblue
Posted by Cancer Train on Saturday, March 26, 2016

"It's hard to kind of be happy, you know. But these videos and this outreach of everybody has really helped them. It has helped them a lot," Georges said.

If you would like to see more videos or post a video wishing Cooper well, the family is checking the Facebookpage. They have also setup a GoFundMe account to help pay for related expenses. Cooper is currently in a hospital in California.

An AMAZING message from Chandler Harnish NFL Veteran for the Colts, Vikings and Cardinals!!! Thank you so much???#AthletesForCoop #PrayForCooper
Posted by PRAY FOR COOPER on Saturday, March 26, 2016

Love our local celebs sending love! Thank you Carrot Top!
Posted by PRAY FOR COOPER on Tuesday, March 29, 2016

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Teen who got support messages dies of cancer

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