For most families, December is a season of joy and celebration. For the Flagg family, it’s a time that brings both heartwarming memories and poignant reminders of a painful past. At the heart of this duality lies the extraordinary journey of Cooper Flagg, the 6-foot-9 freshman forward at Duke University and a projected NBA No. 1 draft pick, whose meteoric rise has allowed his family to give back in ways that transcend basketball.

On December 12, 2024, Cooper and his family made a $10,000 donation to the Ronald McDonald House in Durham, North Carolina. The donation came during a holiday event where they met families, posed for photos, and played with children, including three-year-old Eli, who is awaiting open-heart surgery.

Reflecting on the emotional occasion, Kelly Flagg said, “I said I wasn’t going to cry today, so I won’t be the one to tell it, and still I get choked up.” Her voice cracked as she recounted their connection to the charity that once gave them a place to stay during the most harrowing days of their lives.

The Flagg family’s bond with the Ronald McDonald House dates back 20 years. In August 2004, Kelly gave birth to twin boys, Hunter and Ryder, at just 24 weeks of gestation. Hunter weighed 1 pound, 10 ounces, while Ryder was two ounces lighter.

Tragically, Ryder passed away two days later. Hunter fought for survival in the neonatal intensive care unit, overcoming numerous challenges, including blindness in one eye due to oxygen exposure.

For Kelly and her husband, Ralph, the Ronald McDonald House in Portland, Maine, became their refuge for 109 days. “I never left Portland,” Kelly recalled. “After Hunter was born, I said, ‘I’m not leaving without him,’ and so to have the house and to be able to stay close by… It was huge.” The proximity allowed them to be by Hunter’s side during critical moments, a privilege that left an indelible mark on their family.

Despite the heartbreak of losing Ryder, the Flaggs were determined to expand their family. In 2006, Kelly underwent IVF and became pregnant with twins once again. This time, doctors deemed her pregnancy high-risk and admitted her to the hospital for close monitoring.

Cooper and his twin brother, Ace, were born prematurely but healthy enough to go home after a brief hospital stay. Their arrival was a joyous contrast to the earlier ordeal, giving the family a renewed sense of gratitude.

But how did a family, shaped by loss and resilience, channel their pain into a legacy of gratitude and success both on and off the basketball court?

Cooper Flagg: From driveway duels to inspiring generosity

As Cooper and Ace grew, basketball became a cornerstone of their lives. From spirited one-on-one games in their driveway to leading their high school team to a state championship, the Flagg brothers embodied resilience and determination.

“They would have these nasty, 1-on-1 games,” Kelly said, laughing. “They wanted us to referee, which is a no-win situation as parents.”

Now, as Cooper thrives at Duke and Ace prepares for his college basketball career, the family’s commitment to the Ronald McDonald House remains steadfast.

“We’re feeling very fortunate to be in this position where we can give back,” Kelly said. Cooper echoed her sentiment after playing basketball with Eli, saying, “Just to see him smiling… it means the world to me.”

Through their $10,000 donation, the Flagg family hopes to ensure that other families benefit from the same support they once received. “There are millions of families who may benefit from staying at the Ronald McDonald House,” Kelly said. “We just want to make sure that continues.”

For Kelly, the journey from loss to triumph is nothing short of miraculous. “It makes us appreciate all this even more,” she said, “knowing there was a high probability that it wouldn’t happen.”

Through their actions and generosity, the Flaggs honor Ryder’s memory while paving the way for countless families to find hope during their darkest days.