DJ Daniel, who inspired the nation with his bravery, battles three new tumors
Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, the 13-year-old brain cancer survivor who captured America’s heart when he was sworn in as an honorary Secret Service agent by President Donald Trump, is facing a devastating new health challenge. His family recently revealed that the teen has developed three new tumors, marking another difficult chapter in his years-long battle with cancer.
DJ was first diagnosed with terminal brain and spine cancer in 2018 and given just five months to live. Defying the odds, he became a symbol of resilience, earning national recognition for his dream of becoming a police officer. But last week, his father, Theodis Daniel, shared the heartbreaking update in an interview with Fox 7 Austin.
“It’s rough—there isn’t a class that can teach you how to deal with it. You’re hearing that your child has a nasty disease,” Theodis said. “We’re just going around showing people, hey, you do care for one another. Let’s give compassion, and let’s try to join and help each other get through things.”
A national inspiration: DJ’s quest to be sworn in by 1,000 law enforcement agencies
DJ rose to national prominence on March 4 when Trump swore him in as an honorary Secret Service agent during an address to a joint session of Congress. The emotional moment, which included DJ giving the president “a big hug,” resonated across the country, leading to an outpouring of support from law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Since then, the determined teen has been on a mission to be sworn in by 1,000 different agencies—a feat that would secure him a Guinness World Record. He has already been recognized for holding multiple records, including “the most keys to the city” and “most proclamation days.”
Deputy Jeffrey Combs of the Williams County Sheriff’s Office in Texas was among those moved by DJ’s story. “I saw Theodis pick his son up. I felt that unconditional love, and I just knew I had to find DJ, so it all worked out,” Combs told Fox 7.
“I’ll keep going until my gas tank runs out”: DJ’s unwavering spirit
Despite his latest diagnosis, DJ has remained remarkably upbeat. During a swearing-in ceremony in Williams County, he playfully rubbed deputies’ bald heads for luck, according to reports. His optimism was equally evident at another recent event in Polk County, Florida, where he delivered an inspiring message to officers.
“I’ll keep going until my gas tank runs out, and that’s when God calls you home,” DJ told them. “The craziest thing is, on my 11th brain surgery, God told me I was one of his angels and I’m doing God’s work. On my 12th brain surgery, he gave me my wings, but he told me I’m going to take these back until you graduate the school called life.”
His father, Theodis, continues to share DJ’s journey, emphasizing the power of compassion and unity in the face of adversity. As the family navigates this latest challenge, supporters across the nation are rallying behind the courageous teen who has already defied the odds—and inspired millions.
