Cooper Honored For Contributions To BMC’s Think First Program

PITTSFIELD — In recognition of the contributions he makes to Berkshire Medical Center’s Think First program, the Berkshire Health System’s Board of Trustees has awarded Keith Cooper the 2002 Gladys Allen Brigham Award.

Cooper, severely injured in a motorcycle accident, meets several times each year with participants of Think First and relates his painful yet highly inspirational story. He was presented with the Brigham Award at the system’s annual meeting.

The award was created in 1976 to honor an outstanding individual for his or her distinguished volunteer service to the hospital and the community.

Cooper suffered severe spinal and traumatic brain injuries in the 1993 crash in Stockbridge. After undergoing lengthy rehabilitation, he is able to walk with the help of a cane. His speech has been greatly affected by the injuries he sustained, and he has had to relearn many of the things that most people take for granted.

The Think First — Teens at Risk program was originally targeted at troubled youth going through the court system. It has since been expanded to include presentations to groups of high school students.