Fifteen-year-old Courtney “Coco” Johnson was happy to have her final chemotherapy treatment for cancer after two surgeries and months of struggling. Unfortunately, due to chemo’s effects on the immune system and the current coronavirus pandemic, the hospital was unable to throw the usual party to celebrate the teen’s triumph over her illness.
Family and friends felt like a simple drive home wasn’t enough to commemorate the event, so they came up with an idea that is guaranteed to make you happy-cry.
#SomeGoodNews my daughter, Coco, finished her final chemo treatment yesterday and our friends had a surprise social distancing welcome home parade for her! pic.twitter.com/CI2um08ird
— April Danz (@momuses) March 25, 2020
Coco’s mom, April Danz, complained to a friend about not being able to throw her daughter a party, and friend Sonia Singla came up with the idea of throwing Coco a “reverse parade.” Singla then texted a bunch of people, all who texted more people, and they were able to organize a huge line of people parked on both sides of the road, cheering with signs and writing on car windows congratulating Coco for beating cancer.
Danz captured Coco’s reaction to the surprise as her daughter cried with joy at the showing of support from so many people.
“I was just completely overwhelmed,” Coco told BuzzFeed News. “I wasn’t expecting anything, and I was just so surprised and grateful that everyone showed up to celebrate me.”
“It really hit me at that moment that everyone was there for me.”
People may need some goodness right now. Coco finished her last chemo treatment yesterday. 9 months later and Ewing sarcoma can SUCK IT! Our community threw an impromptu welcome home party for our favorite warrior. Leave a comment below…let her know how radical she is! #COCO pic.twitter.com/DEzpw9UF7c
— matthew lillard —Will block. 0-F’s-given (@MatthewLillard) March 25, 2020
Coco’s story went viral on Twitter after Danz posted the video under actor John Krasinski’s call for good news on Wednesday, resulting in over 11,000 shares and 2,000 comments congratulating Coco. Krasinski himself called the video “one of the greatest things I’ve seen.”
Well this is one of the greatest things I’ve seen. Welcome home Coco!!
— John Krasinski (@johnkrasinski) March 25, 2020
While Coco spends the next six months at home as her immune system recovers, she’s enjoyed her first couple of days reading all of the supportive comments.
“All the thousands of comments are so nice,” said Coco. “I’ve been reading all of them.”
She’s got a long way to go, so keep leaving her your congratulations:
This is amazing.
Welcome home, Coco!— Sleeping Giants (@slpng_giants) March 26, 2020
I’m sobbing ????. My cousin’s son is fighting a brain tumor. #PrayForRyan
— Rose DiValerio (@TheRealRoseDiV) March 25, 2020
Way to go, Coco! And way to go family and friends! What a beautiful and creative way to support and encourage her!
— Cari Kelemen (@KelemenCari) March 26, 2020
So happy for her!!!!!!
Just one more for me and can’t wait!!! pic.twitter.com/baDvGfb8I8
— Mexican Ghost (@Mexican_Ghost_) March 26, 2020
There is good in the world. Look for the helpers.
— Jennie GETOVRIT❤???????? (@GetovritJennie) March 25, 2020
Good luck!! My son’s girlfriend, 28, just finished her last treatment too!! Here’s to beating cancer’s butt!
— Betsy Briggs (@MissTips) March 25, 2020
I wouldn’t mind starting an online #SocialDistancing wave and congrats to #Coco pic.twitter.com/MniNMZovFE
— Efren (@EfrenBlackjack) March 25, 2020
Bless you both and your wonderful circle of friends. This was worth using up a box of hoarded kleenex!! Will pray for Coco’s full recovery and a circle of protection around her as her immune system bounces back. Thank you for sharing this, I’m so happy for your family!
— Lady Menopause: Redneck Woman Made of Blue FIRE (@LadyMenopause) March 25, 2020
I’m smiling and tearing up at the same time. We’re all rooting for you Coco
✌️♥️????????— carol l. meyers (@clm3776) March 25, 2020
Way to go, Coco!
