Earl Datcher, Jr. Earl Datcher, Jr. (EJ)

Welcome to our CaringBridge website for Earl Jr. affectionately known as EJ. EJ is 15 years old & the oldest of 6. On February 9, 2022 he was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. EJ is the most caring and loyal son, grandson, nephew, brother, cousin, & friend. His birthday is August 31, 2006- the most loving Virgo we know. He is a proud 10th Grade Titan at Friendship Tech Prep Academy in WDC. Some of his goals are to attend NC A&T State University & become a mechanical engineer. He is currently a member of Kappa League and is an avid car enthusiast! He also began an inaugural season as a hockey player in 2021- until Omicron made it difficult to continue. He plans to rejoin the team as soon as he can! He enjoys spending time with his family, playing chess, visiting new places, driving practice, talking about everything under the sun with his Dad, being attached at the hip to his Granny, gaming on PS5 & Xbox, staying fresh, and most of all laughing with and spending time with his siblings!

EJ’s leukemia diagnosis completely blindsided our family unit but with God’s grace, and prayers and support from all of you, our “village,” we are sure he will beat this curable illness. We will all be so much stronger because of this journey! After spending 2.5 weeks in hospital, EJ is home now- preparing for outpatient chemotherapy. He’s getting into his water intake routine and loving being able to see his siblings everyday like before. We recently met with his teachers and care team- he plans to return to virtual learning on Monday February 28, 2022. He will have some asynchronous assignments and will meet in-person when he can. All in the hopes that he will still graduate on time in May/June 2024!

We are using CaringBridge to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.