Cooper G. Dibrell: [1952 - 2008] Throughout his life, Cooper was dedicated to helping everyone he could. Really and truly, Cooper knew his mission was to help people, and he refused to let anything get in his way. During the first fifty years of his life, Cooper, an attorney in San Antonio, Texas, fought valiantly both inside and outside the courtroom on behalf of his clients. It didn’t matter if it was 2 A.M., every single one of Cooper’s clients, friends, and family knew that if they were in trouble, all they had to do was call Cooper, and he would be there, sleeves rolled up, ready and willing to face whatever crisis you were in. The final three years of Cooper’s life were rough. At the age of fifty-two, Cooper was diagnosed with a deadly form of brain cancer: Glioblastoma Stage IV. Even after his diagnosis, Cooper continued to help others as much as was physically possible. Cooper put up a good fight until the bitter end, and passed away on the morning of December 31, 2008.
Danny: Besides having the second best sense of humor of anyone I know (his Dad takes the first spot), Danny is the strongest person (both mentally and physically, mind you) that I know. Danny was diagnosed with leukemia in his mid 20s, and has since then undergone numerous medical procedures, including a bone marrow transplant and quite a few rounds of chemotherapy. This website was Danny’s idea, and if anyone has questions about what to expect from various treatments/medicines/procedures, go to our cancer forum and ask him a question. You can read more about Danny by clicking “Danny’s Story” at the top of this page.
Courtney: My claim to fame is that I am the daughter of Cooper Dibrell. Cancer is no stranger in my family: I have lost my Aunt to pancreatic cancer, my Grandmother to colon cancer, and just recently lost my Father to brain cancer. My Dad was the last straw. I refuse to be a mere bystander in this cancer epidemic. I am in charge of formatting and maintaining the website. I was just finishing my freshman year of college at the University of Texas when I found out that my Dad needed emergency surgery.
Morgan: Morgan is Cooper’s second born child. Morgan really takes after her Dad, as she is an incredible athlete, extremely loyal, and definitely stubborn. Morgan was 13 years old when Cooper was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She is now 18, and offers a truly unique perspective about the role kids play when a parent is diagnosed with cancer.
Victoria Graham: Tori is a freshman at Alamo Heights High School. Tori also takes after her dad, as she is currently on the high school tennis team. When she is not playing tennis, Tori can be found acting, singing, and she loves to make people laugh. Tori was 9 years old when her Dad was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Cooper’s other daughter is Courtney Leigh, who is currently attending medical school at Southwestern University in Dallas, Texas.
Courtney,
Much love and respect for all that you have done and continue to do for Danny. The website looks amazing! I look forward to meeting you soon.
Danny,
You’re an inspiration to all! Just one of the many reasons why I love you!
Dana,
I really look forward to meeting you! Thank goodness Danny has you in his life. You are amazing! Lord knows that boy needs to be kept in line. Have a wonderful week. Don’t work too hard…I’ve heard stories. Danny brags about you all the time! Y’all are too cute
I think this is amazing!! I’m proud of you
Victoria! Thanks so much for the feedback! How are you doing? I miss meeting up with you and the crew!
I don’t think I am fearless. I just know when you are dealt a card, you can’t ask for another!
The holidays are coming up…I know that holidays can be extremely hard for lots of families.
I would like to offer a bit of advice: Love your family! They might be all that you have left. Along those lines… Never give up on each other.
I was told that I had a good 5 to 10 years to live if I didn’t get a transplant. I was 26 years old! How is a 26 year old supposed to deal with that?
Hi Danny, I recently had the pleasure to talk to Courtney on the phone for the first time. I have never met Courtney, but I must say, she sounds just as gracious as her mom. They are truly good people…I’m so glad they invited me to your website.
Thank you for sharing your experience and your fight against cancer. I commend your openness and willingness to help others…I hope that you continue your efforts in reaching out and help make a difference. Don’t stop caring!!!
Delia,
Thanks for the feedback. How are you these days? I think about you all the time, and I pray that your treatments are going smoothly.
Take Care,
Courtney
To my brother,
I never tell you enough but I love you more than words can ever describe. You’re my big brother and I couldn’t ever begin to imagine my life without you in it. I look up to you more and more everyday because of everything you have gone thru and how you still manage to keep a smile on your face. No matter what kind of lemons life throws at you, I promise you I’ll be there to help you make that lemonade
I want to thank Courtney for the time she put into making this site and for always lending an ear/shoulder to my brother and I am so grateful for Cissy, your donor, who gave you something that I wish I could have.
Desiree,
You and your family mean the world to me. Thank you so much for your comment. (I must admit that Danny has been the one lending me an ear the majority of the time…instead of me lending him an ear…. Haha, he is super tough, that one.) And Lord knows that you are too…I have heard some fantastic stories. Danny quite frequently says, “Nah, you should be more like my sister. She doesn’t let anybody treat her like that…” No joke, I bet I have heard that at least 7 times. It is really, really adorable how he brags about his little sister. Thanks again for your support… It really means so much.
Most Sincerely,
Courtney
Danny, I’m glad that you’re back to your entertaining self. Courtney, I had the pleasure of meeting you once. As you already know, your Dad was a great and giving man.
Wish you both the best,
Tim
Tim,
Thanks for the kind words about my Dad. Hope that you are doing well.
Take care,
Courtney
to my blood brother! very impressive website danny! it’s gonna help a lot of people. it was great meeting you via telephone. I’m looking forward to meeting all the Martinez’s. By the way we’re Raider fans. No comment.
Luv,
your 52 year old friend, ha ha
cissy gonalez
Mrs. Gonzalez:
You are such a wonderful woman. To your Blood brother? 52 year old friend? I’ve got to out you to the world, for you are far too humble! Mrs. Gonzalez, thank you for saving Danny’s life by donating your Bone Marrow. God bless you.
Much love,
Courtney
Hey Danny,
Love you very much, nephew. I love you like my own son. I know that you are very strong and a fighter. You have brought me so much joy and happiness. I enjoy every moment you are in town! I want you to know that I am here for you anytime; I love you, son.
Love Your Uncle,
Ralph
Mr. Martinez,
Thank you so much for posting on our site. Danny is one of a kind.
Take care,
Courtney
Hey Danny,
Love you much and glad to hear that you’re back to your happy self.
True that, Tioda!
Thanks for posting on our site!
Take care,
Courtney
Danny has always been a fighter I knew he would come through this!Danny is our MAN!
Yaaay!! Thanks for the support Andraya!
Take care,
Courtney
Hey Danny,
I love that you have done this. It really shows how strong you really are. Love Ya!
Hey Chad,
I never got to thank you for posting on our website. It means a lot! You were the first! Thanks bunches.
Take care,
Courtney