Oakland Raiders Make Jailen Cooper’s Wish Come True

By Gayle Saunders
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ESPN’s “My Wish” series returns with the heart felt story of 10-year-old boy named Jailen Cooper. After he survived brain surgery, Jailen hoped to meet the Oakland Raiders and tackle his favorite player, Darren McFadden. With a little help from Raiders head coach Tom Cable, his wish became reality.

Jailen Cooper’s last couple of years have been tough. In 2006, his grandfather, Linwood May, suffered a massive heart attack and passed away. Jailen, who grew up without a father, Linwood May made up for that male role model in his life. Linwood inspired Jailen everyday through his love of football.

“They’d give each other a pound before they’d leave each other and [May] would say, ‘Raiders forever,’” [Jessie] Cooper said. “That was the last thing he said to him.”

Only a year later, doctors found that Jailen had a brain tumor. At first, they weren’t worried however by December, 2008, Jailen was in need of brain surgery. Jailen had to undergo a strict regimen of chemotherapy after the tumor was removed.

Now that its a year and a half later, things are on the up and up for Jailen who has finished his cancer treatment. Without shame Jailen says that he enjoys the sympathy his scar gets him from the female classmates of his.

“I told my mom that I was going take my chemo medication for my granddaddy,” Jailen said. “That was the only reason I was taking it. It was for him.”

With the Help of The Make A Wish Foundation, who are a national nonprofit that brings dreams alive for kids battling serious illnesses, they gave Jailen the opportunity of a lifetime. Jailen was flown out from his home in North Carolina to California to play football with his favorite team, the Oakland Raiders.

The 10-year-old was able to attend practice with McFadden and the rest of the Raiders. As the practice came to a end, finally the team gathered around for the moment Jailen had been waiting for…Jailen’s chance to tackle his hero.

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