September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and for Warrior Strong Wellness, this month is deeply personal. Our mission, our story, and our “why” all begin with Cooper Davis Ricciardi, the son of our founder, Mary Ricciardi.
Cooper’s Courage
Cooper was known for his warm smile, sense of humor, and love for basketball at Desert Oasis High School. He was a teammate to many, both on and off the court. But at age 15, in January 2013, Cooper was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Over the next few years, he battled not just one, but several cancers, including Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
Even through tough treatments, Cooper stayed strong and positive. In the hospital, he became known as the “big teddy bear” to younger children with cancer. He comforted them, played games, and gave them hope, even as he fought his own battle.
A Lasting Legacy
In March 2016, during his senior year of high school, Cooper’s fight came to an end.
But his story didn’t stop there. Through Warrior Strong Wellness, founded by his mom, Mary, Cooper’s strength and kindness continue to inspire. The company was created to honor him, give back to childhood cancer research, and help people live healthier lives.
Cooper’s family also keeps his memory alive in a special way, his nephew being named after him.
His story lives on with his friends as well. His best friend, Bryson Stott, went on to achieve their shared dream of playing professional baseball and chose to wear number 5, the same number Cooper wore in high school, as a lasting tribute.
Today, Cooper’s memory is celebrated through #forevertogether and #5EVER, and through everyone Warrior Strong Wellness is able to help.
The Birth of Warrior Strong Wellness
After Cooper passed away, his mother, Mary, struggled with grief and the toll it took on her body and health. But with encouragement from her husband, she found a way to honor Cooper’s memory and help others at the same time. In 2017, Mary founded Warrior Strong Wellness, a supplement company dedicated to clean ingredients, transparency, and giving back.
Her mission was clear: help people feel their best and donate a portion of every purchase to childhood cancer research. Since then, Warrior Strong Wellness has donated more than $77,000 to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, helping to fund crucial research for improved treatments and cures.
Our Why
Warrior Strong Wellness is more than a brand. It’s a movement built on love, strength, and the belief that healing is possible, for individuals and for communities. Every product we create is inspired by Cooper’s legacy, Mary’s journey to wellness, and our commitment to making a difference.
This September, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we invite you to share Cooper’s story. Support research. Stand with families. And help us continue the fight for kids who deserve more time, more dreams, and more life.
Childhood Cancer: A Growing Challenge
Childhood cancer remains a significant concern, with approximately 15,000 children and adolescents diagnosed annually in the United States. Globally, the number exceeds 400,000 new cases each year. In the U.S., cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children, resulting in about 1,800 deaths annually. While survival rates have improved, many childhood cancers still lack effective treatments, and research funding remains limited. This underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and support for childhood cancer research.
Moving Forward Together
Every number in the childhood cancer statistics represents a child, a family, and a story like Cooper’s. At Warrior Strong Wellness, we believe every child deserves a fighting chance, and every family deserves hope. You can make a difference too:
-
Share stories like Cooper’s not just in September, but throughout the year to raise awareness and honor their legacies.
-
Donate to organizations that support childhood cancer research and families, like the St. Baldrick’s Foundation or Kindness Conquers.
-
Support mission-driven companies like Warrior Strong Wellness and Lovebird, where your purchases help fund research and give back to the community.
By taking action in these ways, you help keep Cooper’s legacy alive and make a real impact for children and families facing cancer.