The family of 13-year-old Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel has announced a heartbreaking development just months after the young cancer survivor gained national attention when he was sworn in as an honorary Secret Service member by former President Donald Trump. Diagnosed in 2018 with brain and spinal cancer and given just five months to live, DJ now faces the challenge of "three new tumors," according to his father, Theodis Daniel, who shared this update with the White House.
"We are praying for Agent DJ Daniel after hearing from his father, Theodis, that DJ is now confronting three new tumors," stated the official White House account on Friday. "DJ is one of the bravest and strongest young individuals, having already taken the oath in 1,351 law enforcement agencies nationwide. Agent Daniel, you are truly a legend."
DJ, aspiring to become a police officer, first captured the public's attention when he was honored as an honorary protector by Trump during the President's address to a joint session of Congress on March 4th. The teenager is on the brink of achieving his goal of being sworn into law enforcement agencies across the country, potentially setting a Guinness World Record. He already holds several records, including "most keys to the city" and "most proclamation days."
"We take it one day at a time. He has three new tumors," expressed Theodis. "It's tough; there's no class that teaches you how to handle this. You find out your child has this terrible disease," he added, reflecting on the struggle the family faces.
Growing up watching his father, a military man, interact with law enforcement, Devarjaye developed a deep admiration for those in uniform and decided at the age of nine that he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Having undergone 13 brain surgeries, DJ remarked, "Each surgery has changed my personality. The doctors gave me five months to live, but I'm still here. I'll keep going until my tank runs out. You never know when God will call you home," he shared in an interview.
DJ has been honored multiple times. In 2022, when he was ten, the Make-A-Wish organization granted his dream, and he was named Honorary Chief for a Day at the Miami Police Department. On that day, he donned a custom-made uniform, rode in a patrol car, and participated in training with specialized units.
Understanding DJ Daniel's Journey and Challenges
What recent health challenge is DJ Daniel facing?
DJ Daniel is currently facing a significant health challenge with three new tumors, as announced by his father, Theodis Daniel.
How did DJ Daniel gain national attention?
DJ Daniel gained national attention when he was sworn in as an honorary Secret Service member by former President Donald Trump, as well as for his remarkable journey of being sworn into numerous law enforcement agencies across the country.
What are some of DJ Daniel's achievements?
DJ Daniel is on the verge of setting a Guinness World Record for being sworn into the most law enforcement agencies. He also holds records for "most keys to the city" and "most proclamation days."