Six weeks after getting shot at a Fourth of July parade, an 8-year-old left paralyzed feels 'hopeless' and angry as new reality sets in - CNN

He remains on heavy painkillers," the update said.

Cooper was recently cleared to begin eating some solid foods, his family said, but he feels "full and nauseous" after only a bite or two.

"He (is) starting to recognize the severity of his limitations as he participates in daily rigorous physical and occupational therapy maneuvering around two ports, a (catheter) line and three tubes coming out of his body."

And the emotional toll is just as heavy: Cooper misses his home and his family, who he is only able to briefly see once a week because of Covid-19 rules and has begun looking forward to when he'll be able to join his twin brother in third grade -- which could still be weeks away, his family has said.

"It is very hard to convince Cooper that he will be happy again, " the family said.

"Of course, we are beyond grateful for his survival, and we know others weren't as fortunate, but we want people to know his path/our path will be a very long and hard road."

A verified GoFundMe campaign has been created in support of the family.