Brookings Ranger Hockey Skater Cooper Deatherage’s Cancer Diagnosis Turned a Promising Future Into a Determined Fight for Recovery

A promising future paused as cancer forced an unexpected battle.

January 2, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 30, 2026

Cooper Deatherage’s cancer diagnosis transformed what should have been an exciting new chapter into the fight of his life.

Known as “Juice” to teammates and friends, Cooper spent 11 years skating for the Brookings Ranger hockey program and proudly served as Assistant Captain for the Boys Varsity team during the 2026–2026 season.

He graduated from Brookings High School in May 2026 with plans to attend South Dakota State University, work hard, and embrace adulthood with the same discipline that defined his athletic career.

In July 2026, those plans came to an abrupt halt. Cooper woke up one morning experiencing blurred vision.

After undergoing multiple tests that failed to provide answers, a late-night emergency room visit revealed a mass located in the center of his brain.

Doctors referred him to Sioux Falls for further imaging, but upon arrival, medical staff urged him to continue east to Mayo Clinic.

Cooper and his family drove through the night, and doctors admitted him to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, in the early morning hours of July 20.

From that moment forward, his care moved rapidly. A biopsy confirmed Cooper Deatherage’s cancer, and specialists immediately developed an aggressive treatment plan to address the tumor.

Doctors outlined a multi-stage approach to treat Cooper Deatherage’s cancer.

The plan included four weeks of chemotherapy, followed by an eight-hour brain surgery, and then six weeks of radiation therapy, all conducted at Mayo Clinic.

Cooper and his family committed fully to the process, trusting the medical team and leaning on their faith as treatment began.

Radiation therapy was originally scheduled to start on December 26.

However, Cooper’s condition worsened in the days leading up to the start date.

He slept nearly 18 hours a day, complained of intense head pressure, and showed signs that something was not right.

One morning, severe vomiting forced another emergency room visit.

Doctors admitted Cooper and discovered that a new tumor had grown large enough to block the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

To relieve the dangerous pressure on his brain, surgeons placed a shunt in his head to drain the fluid. His care team now hopes to resume radiation treatment within days.

Once radiation resumes, Cooper will undergo treatment five days a week for six weeks.

After completing radiation, doctors will closely monitor his recovery with MRIs every three months during the first year.

If scans remain clear, the frequency will gradually decrease, but monitoring will continue for up to 10 years before doctors consider his journey complete.

One of the most difficult aspects of Cooper Deatherage’s cancer battle has been adjusting to physical limitations.

A young man known for his relentless work ethic and love for lifting weights now faces vision challenges, driving restrictions, and strict lifting limits of just 15 pounds.

Even so, Cooper continues to find safe ways to stay active, often bringing his mom to the gym to ensure he follows medical guidelines.

Despite the setbacks, Cooper’s goals remain firmly intact. He focuses on beating cancer, regaining his strength, returning to work at Brookings Country Club in the spring or summer, and enjoying golf and fishing with friends.

He also looks forward to starting university and living what he calls the “sweet life” this fall.

Throughout the journey, Cooper and his family have relied on their faith, believing that God continues to guide every step.

They express deep gratitude for the prayers offered on Cooper’s behalf and ask for continued support for his medical team as they work toward healing.

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