Friends for Gus, an organization formed by relatives and friends of Winston 'Gus' Cooper, will host two fundraising events this month to assist with the cultural icon's $500,000 hospital bill.
Cooper, founder of the Valley Boys Junkanoo group in 1958, experienced some mobility complications in July, which led to the discovery of a far more serious health problem, according to his family.
"He had some issues with the mobility in his hands, and when we looked into it, we discovered it was a brain tumor, and it had to be removed," said Cooper's son, Francisco Cooper, at a press conference yesterday.
The Junkanoo pioneer was airlifted to Florida in mid-July and transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital where he underwent brain surgery. Since then, Cooper has received 24-hour care, undergoing speech, physical and occupation therapy up to twice a day.
"He is fighting, and as he tells me every day when I speak to him, 'Junkanoo is my life'," Francisco Cooper said. "...
There were a lot of bills before [he underwent surgery], and I know there will be a lot of bills to come. "It's 24-hour service, and it's non-stop. He goes through therapy five days a week, which is intensive therapy."
Cooper said his father regained some mobility in his legs and hands in the past couple of months. He said while the recovery process has been slow, the family remains optimistic that he can return to The Bahamas in time for this year's Junkanoo celebrations.
Cooper's care exceeds $3,500 per day, according to his family. Relatives said that despite the challenges Cooper has remained resilient.
According to Valley Boys Chairman and spokesperson for Friends for Gus Brian Adderley, due to a pre-existing illness, Cooper had no form of health insurance to absorb some of the costs. "We are asking as many people as possible to come out and support these events," he said.
"Since Mr. Cooper took ill, a lot of people have been inquiring about his health, so I want all of those people who have been asking about Mr. Cooper to put their hands in their pockets and to support the family and friends of Gus."
An evening of fine dining will take place at the Balmoral Club, Sanford Drive, on November 16. Tickets are $250 each. A special practice and concert involving The Valley Boys will take place on November 17, Cooper's birthday.
Elton Cooper, another son of Cooper, thanked the government, Percy 'Vola' Francis, leader of the Saxons Junkanoo group, and the wider community for their donations, support and gestures of goodwill.
Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian
