Parker Community Rallies Around Injured Smoothie Shop Owner

Residents support Rachel and Julia Cooper, owners of beloved Berry Blendz, after Julia's serious fall and recovery.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Residents of Parker, Colorado, and nearby communities have been gathering to support the owner of a beloved smoothie shop, Berry Blendz, after she was seriously injured in a fall last year. Julia Cooper broke five vertebrae in her neck and underwent multiple emergency surgeries, including full neck and shoulder reconstruction. The close-knit community has rallied around the Cooper family during Julia's long recovery.

Why it matters

The story highlights the strong sense of community in Parker, Colorado, and the way local businesses and residents have come together to support a beloved small business owner in a time of crisis. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by small business owners dealing with unexpected health issues.

The details

Seven years ago, mother-daughter duo Rachel and Julia Cooper built much of the Berry Blendz smoothie shop themselves. In August of last year, Julia was standing on the counter updating scripture boards when she fell, breaking five vertebrae in her neck. Doctors say a previous cervical fusion likely saved her life, as she was within a millimeter of paralysis. Julia underwent multiple emergency surgeries, including full neck and shoulder reconstruction, and was also diagnosed with autonomic dysreflexia, a condition in which the body overreacts to pain or irritation, causing sudden and dangerous spikes in blood pressure.

  • In August 2022, Julia Cooper fell and broke five vertebrae in her neck.
  • Julia Cooper underwent multiple emergency surgeries, including full neck and shoulder reconstruction, following her fall.

The players

Rachel Cooper

Co-owner of Berry Blendz smoothie shop in Parker, Colorado, and daughter of Julia Cooper.

Julia Cooper

Co-owner of Berry Blendz smoothie shop in Parker, Colorado, and mother of Rachel Cooper. She was seriously injured in a fall last year, breaking five vertebrae in her neck.

Berry Blendz

A family-owned smoothie shop located on Main Street in Parker, Colorado, that draws customers from the local community and nearby areas.

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What they’re saying

“The amount of people that showed their grace and love, buying smoothies for businesses and family, the impact from the community is unexplainable.”

— Rachel Cooper, Co-owner, Berry Blendz

“Mom and I did the build-out of this. The only things we didn't do were electrical and plumbing, so it's very special to us.”

— Rachel Cooper, Co-owner, Berry Blendz

What’s next

As Julia Cooper continues her recovery, the Parker community is expected to maintain its support for the Cooper family and Berry Blendz through ongoing patronage, fundraising efforts, and community events.

The takeaway

The story of the Parker community rallying around the owners of Berry Blendz highlights the power of small businesses to bring people together and the importance of community support during times of crisis. It demonstrates how a close-knit local community can make a meaningful difference in the lives of its members.