CJ Coudriet’s Battle With Cancer

Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma

Where It All Started

CJ’s journey began in June 2023 when a pain in his stomach revealed Stage 3 Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare pediatric cancer. What followed was nearly a year of hospital stays, surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, setbacks, and recovery — but also strength, resilience, and community support.

He endured over 90 days in hospitals, more than 50 blood transfusions, and countless treatments at CHOP and Janet Weis. Despite fevers, infections, weight loss, and exhaustion, CJ celebrated his 13th birthday in the hospital and never lost hope.

A lifelong outdoorsman, CJ found joy through the generosity of foundations and organizations: fishing trips, hunts, pro sports games, and his Make-A-Wish trip to Hawaii. The highlight came when Camo Cares gave him the chance to go on his dream elk hunt in Oregon, where he harvested a massive 6×6 bull elk. CJ often said that hunt is what kept him fighting.

Timeline Of Key Events

June 6th, 2023

Hospital admission, biopsies, port placed, initial diagnosis suspected

June 21, 2023

Admitted to CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia); 43 weeks chemo + radiation planned

June 22nd, 2023

The battle against cancer begins

June 22nd, 2023

The battle against cancer begins

June 29th, 2023

Spent his 13th birthday in the hospital getting an infusion

July 15th, 2023

Fishing Trip with Empress Sportfishing Charters & More Gooder Fishing Charters

July 21th, 2023

Ride along at UMI Motorsports Park

September 16th, 2023

Pheasant Hunt with Pheasants Forever

October 30th, 2023

Halloween at the Ronald McDonald House

Oct–Nov 2023

Oct–Nov 2023 – Radiation treatments; Him and His mom moved into the Ronald McDonald House for 6 weeks. Philadelphia Marathon experience with Jodie Potter and The Emily Whitehead Foundation. Discharged after Thanksgiving.