Article inspires Chuck Norris donation

Tony Cooper’s capacity to inspire has reached all the way to martial artist and action star Chuck Norris.
“His life has been a wonderful example of what being a true martial artist really means and I admire the fact that, through all of his hardships, he has continued to give back to his community,” Norris said Thursday via his publicist, Lloyd Ford of Top Kick Productions.
In early January, Cooper suffered several fractures in one hand, a broken tibia and torn knee ligaments when a car struck the bicycle he was riding. After reading a June 1 story in The News Virginian about Cooper’s battle to recover, Norris and his wife, Gena, donated a Total Gym exercise machine for a fundraiser to aid Cooper.
Cooper has taught martial arts at the Waynesboro YMCA for more than 30 years, and helped found the Special Olympics Region IV powerlifting division, which he has coached for the past 20 years.
After Cooper was injured, a concert fundraiser was held to aid in offsetting Cooper’s medical bills and in replacing his bicycle. The exercise machine, endorsed by Norris, retails for approximately $1,500. For the next six weeks, the Total Gym will be raffled to drum-up additional funds.
“Needless to say, it seems the Waynesboro YMCA is very fortunate to have such a committed and dedicated martial arts instructor and an amazing example of tenacity and patience for anyone who knows him,” said Norris.
Norris’ help was inspired by Myra Harris, a previous participant in Cooper’s martial arts classes, who forwarded The News Virginian piece to Norris.
“All the communications have gone through her,” said Jeff Fife, executive director of the Waynesboro YMCA.
“I’ve seen Tony suffering, but he doesn’t ask anybody for any help,” Harris, 48, said. “He’s that kind of person – just gives to the community. He’s very dedicated.”
Harris utilized the Internet to locate Norris’ production company.
“I did a lot of homework and researching,” Harris said. “I think sometimes things are blessed by God.”
Norris, and wife Gena, who directly coordinated the donation of a Total Gym.
“His publicist told her [Harris] that Chuck personally read the article and was touched,” Fife said. “We got the call Tuesday that it was coming,” Fife said. “This is something that Tony has been doing for folks for the better part of three decades. Through The News Virginian, we reached out to people and touched Chuck Norris, which is very humbling.”
This is not the first time Cooper has come in contact with the martial arts celebrity.
“Years ago…I went down to Virginia Beach to one of Chuck Norris’ first studios,” said Cooper. “They were doing some filming for one of the movies he was making. I got a chance to talk to him and swap general conversation. He’s a great guy. Nice. Positive. Super motivated. He has a real positive energy… is really optimistic about things and about life.”
Cooper’s supporters hope to raise $7,000 – they have received $3,300 so far.
“From what Myra has told us, and they’ve [Norris’ people] asked her twice now, after all the fundraising is over to let them know how much has been raised and if there is a difference,” Fife said.
Those interested in obtaining raffle tickets for the Total Gym should stop by the Waynesboro YMCA. Tickets are $5 for one and $20 for five.
“After reading the article, I wanted to help in the effort and my hope is that everyone will participate in the raffle for the Total Gym, generating much needed funds for Tony’s recovery,” said Norris. “I wish the best for Tony, his family and everyone who is working hard to help in this important endeavor.”