But last November, the 18-year-old talented basketballer was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer.

The ex-Orange Anglican Grammar School student was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his femur, an aggressive cancer which resulted in an operation to remove 25 centimetres of his femur.

His aunty, Sandra Wicks said the news he would no longer be able to play basketball "broke him a lot".

"He played in America when he was at school," she said.

"After the surgery he had to learn to walk again, it's been a long tough road."

Cooper was an inpatient at a cancer treatment centre in Sydney for months, with his mother Kylie Tarleton constantly by his side.

His father, Jason Tarleton had to continue to run Tarleton and Cotter Plasterers back in Orange, visiting Cooper as often as possible alongside their youngest son Mackai.

Mrs Wicks said the chemotherapy hit Cooper hard.

"He lost his hair from the chemo and he lost a lot of weight," she said.

"But he's a really humble, kind, 18-year-old and he's doing a lot better."

In March, Coopers grandmother Shirley Kinchela sold wristbands at his old-basketball club, the Orange Eagles, to raise money for the family.

On Sunday, Mrs Wicks will pledge her own support when she loses her locks to fundraise for research into osteosarcoma.

The Orange Health Service social worker will host a head-shave event at The Gladstone Hotel, to raise money for the The Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association.

Orange Hawks Rugby League Club president Mark Johnston organised for the shave to go ahead at 'the Gladdy' - the Hawks unofficial clubhouse - so the club can help the son of ex-player Mr Tarleton.

So far, more than $2000 has been raised towards a $3000 target.

Last week, Cooper went through what will hopefully be his last round of chemotherapy. He had scans on Thursday and Friday this week and, all going to plan, he will soon be back at home to recover.

"We're all just hoping it'll all be okay," Mrs Wicks said.

The head shave will kick off at 5pm with a barbecue and raffles.

To donate visit: www.everydayhero.com.au and search for Hoops4Coops Kicking Osteosarcoma's Butt.