A young cancer warrior who was given just five months to live in 2018 continues to defy the odds, earning an honorary position with the Secret Service and the admiration of President Trump—all while facing three new tumors with unwavering faith.
At a Glance
- Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, 13, was sworn in as an honorary Secret Service agent by President Trump despite battling terminal brain and spine cancer since 2018
- Given only five months to live at diagnosis, DJ has survived over six years and undergone 13 brain surgeries
- DJ has received honorary badges from 908 law enforcement agencies across the country, aiming for 1,000 and a Guinness World Record
- Recently diagnosed with three new tumors, DJ maintains his positive spirit and continues his mission
- President Trump highlighted DJ’s inspiring story during a joint session of Congress, receiving bipartisan standing ovations
A Presidential Honor for Extraordinary Courage
Thirteen-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel captured national attention when President Donald Trump appointed him as an honorary Secret Service agent. Diagnosed with high-grade anaplastic ependymoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in September 2018, doctors initially gave DJ just five months to live. More than six years later, DJ continues his inspirational journey despite recently discovering three new tumors. His remarkable resilience earned him recognition at the highest levels of government, with President Trump personally sharing his story.
“The doctors gave him five months at most to live. That was more than six years ago,” Trump noted during his address to Congress, drawing bipartisan standing ovations for the young man’s courage.
During his visit to Washington, DJ expressed gratitude for the recognition: “I am very thankful that Donald Trump invited us down here, and I was not expecting many people to be over there.”
A Mission Beyond Survival
What began as a modest goal to receive honorary badges from 100 law enforcement agencies has evolved into something much greater. DJ has now collected 908 badges and shows no signs of stopping. His father, Theodis Daniel, has been by his side through 13 brain surgeries and countless medical procedures. Together, they’ve transformed their struggle into a mission of hope, visiting children’s hospitals and connecting with other families battling pediatric cancer.
“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,” explains Theodis Daniel.
The journey hasn’t been easy for the Daniel family. “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 shared about receiving the devastating diagnosis.
Faith Through the Fire
Despite facing a recent setback with discovering three new tumors, DJ maintains an extraordinary outlook on life. He already holds records for “the most keys to the city” and “most proclamation days,” achievements that reflect his impact on communities across America. President Trump noted during his address that “DJ’s doctors believe his cancer likely came from a chemical he was exposed to when he was younger,” highlighting the often-overlooked environmental factors in pediatric cancer cases.
“I’ll keep going until my gas tank runs out, and that’s when God calls you home. 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,” DJ shared.
A Future of Service
Beyond his current mission of collecting badges, DJ dreams of becoming a police officer. Inspired by the kindness shown to him by law enforcement officers across the nation, he hopes to one day serve his community by helping the homeless. His story serves as a potent reminder that cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States after infancy, underscoring the urgent need for continued research and support.
As DJ continues his quest toward 1,000 law enforcement badges and a potential Guinness World Record, his example of courage in the face of terminal illness transcends political divisions. Whether receiving recognition from the president or connecting with fellow cancer patients, DJ Daniel embodies the resilience of the American spirit and the power of faith during life’s most challenging trials.
