In an inspiring video, 13-year-old DJ Daniel shared words of wisdom with fellow cancer sufferers, focusing on positivity and faith after it was revealed that he had recently been diagnosed with three new tumors, according to DJ’s father, Theodis.
For context, DJ Daniel, a Houston, Texas, boy who was sworn in as an honorary member of more than 1,300 law enforcement agencies across the U.S., is facing an ongoing battle with anaplastic ependymoma, a rare brain and spinal cancer. Diagnosed in 2018 and given a five-month prognosis, DJ has persevered and inspired millions of Americans with his positive outlook. Sadly, on May 29, 2025, DJ’s father, Theodis Daniel, told the press that his son had been diagnosed with three new tumors.
Following the announcement, DJ released a video on his personal Instagram (@devarjaye_), sharing his experience fighting cancer and giving wise words to fellow kids who deal with illnesses. In the video, DJ emphasized that he always stays positive, saying, “If somebody makes me have a bad day, I’m still gonna have a good day. I don’t care.” He added, “There’s a lot of kids in that hospital that have bald heads, and they don’t want that…imma be honest, none of us asked to be here.”
Continuing, DJ explained that as an act of solidarity with the other young patients in the hospital, he cut his own hair off “just to make them happy.” He added, “I don’t care if I have hair.” DJ continued, “And a message for kids that got cancer: have faith. Believe in God. Listen to your parents.”
When DJ’s inspiring video was shared on X by Colin Rugg, countless commenters showed their support and said they were praying for him. The X user AKuehne wrote, “Praying for Special Agent DJ Daniel,” adding a quote from the book of Jeremiah: “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord.”Another commenter chimed in, “Man, life sometimes doesn’t make sense. An absolute perfect outlook.” They added, “He thinks he’s a role model for other sick kids…he is. But he’s also helping grown adults. Praying.”
In addition, in response to the news that DJ was dealing with new tumors, The White House issued a public statement on X on May 30, 2025, saying, “We’re lifting up Agent DJ Daniel in prayer after his dad, Theodis, shared that DJ is now facing three new tumors.” The post added, “DJ is one of the strongest, bravest young men—and has now been sworn into 1,351 law enforcement agencies across the country. Agent Daniel, you’re a true legend.”
Furthermore, according to press accounts, during an address to Congress on March 4, 2025, President Trump honored DJ’s dream to become a Secret Service agent, telling the gathered members of Congress, “The doctors gave him five months at most to live. That was more than six years ago. Since that time, DJ and his dad have been on a quest to make his dream come true.”
Continuing, President Trump told DJ, “We’re going to do you the biggest honor of them all. I am asking our new Secret Service director, Sean Curran, to officially make you an agent of the United States.” In response, DJ, who was sitting in the crowd, looked both shocked and thrilled as the entire House floor erupted in cheers. In his recent video, DJ explained how he felt in that moment by saying, “My face was like…” and making an expression of utter shock and awe for the camera.
Watch the clip:
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video