A benefit dinner and auction are planned for today, to support the family of Cooper James Brown, an infant undergoing a series of major heart surgeries in St. Louis.
The "Baby Cooper Fundraiser Auction" will kick off with a dinner at 4 p.m. at the Bakersfield School cafeteria, 1201 O Highway in Bakersfield. The meal, available for a donation, will feature smashburgers, grilled hot dogs, chips and drinks. The auction will follow at 5 p.m.
Cooper was born Dec. 29, 2025, with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a severe congenital defect that affects normal blood flow through the heart. According to a statement his mother, Tatum Watson, posted to the family’s GoFundMe fundraiser page, the condition requires Cooper to undergo three surgeries by the time he is 4 years old.
He has already had his first surgery and is recovering well, Watson noted on the fundraiser page. His second surgery is expected to take place when he is between 4 and 6 months old, and the third will occur closer to his fourth birthday.
Fundraiser auction organizers Hailey Jesperson and Alethia Watson noted on a flyer promoting the event that the baby underwent his first surgery when he was just a week old. After a period of relatively good health, they said, his heart vessels have begun to then, resulting in complications which required an ECMO machine — a life-support system that pumps and oxygenates blood outside the body, allowing the heart and lungs to rest — until mid-April.
Tatum Watson and Cooper's father have been out of work while staying in St. Louis to remain by his side, she said.
"I am asking for any help at all to cover rent and utilities while we are here with him and for us to have a home to go back to after Cooper is able to go home for the first time," Watson shared. "Any help at all would be an amazing blessing. Even if it is only a share and a prayer!"
The GoFundMe campaign has raised $4,129 of its $5,000 goal, though the most recent contribution was made about three weeks ago. To make a direct monetary donation, visit gofundme.com/f/support-for-baby-cooper-and-his-parents.
Community members and local businesses have also stepped up to support the auction, and item donations for the event are still being accepted. Items up for include:
- Four gift certificates for two racks of smoked ribs from J's Razorback BBQ and Catering
- Two $250 tattoo gift certificates from Revelry Ink
- A classic eyelash set from With Love, Kay
- A BrüMate tumbler and one-month tanning membership from Knockouts Tanning
- Two one-time deep cleaning services from Beahler Cleaning Services (valued at $300 each)
- A party planning event package from Rebecca McKemie
- Two gift bags with a candle and a $25 gift certificate from asher + co
- Gift certificates from Punchy Polish, Country at Heart, Dennis' Specialty Cuts and Salon Bliss
- A Bakersfield Lions T-shirt
For more information on the auction, visit the "Baby Cooper Fundraiser Auction" page on Facebook, or contact Jesperson at 417-204-3949 or Alethia Watson at 417-629-8671.
