13-Year-Old with Brain and Spinal Cancer Faces New Health Struggle 2 Months After Becoming Honorary Secret Service Agent
DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old honorary U.S. Secret Service agent living with brain and spinal cancer, has three new tumors
DJ's father Theodis Daniel shared the health update at a May 19 swearing-in ceremony, two months after President Donald Trump made DJ an honorary agent
'It's rough — there isn't a class that can teach you how to deal with it,' Theodis said about his son's latest diagnosisAs a small child, Devarjaye 'DJ' Daniel was given months to live.
In 2018, the Texas native was diagnosed with brain and spinal cancer, with doctors giving him five months to live, according to the United States Secret Service. Five months turned into five years. Now, after seven years and more than 13 brain surgeries, DJ is still standing.
But a new diagnosis has shaken his family and supporters.
When the teen — who wants to be a police officer — was sworn in as an honorary agent of the U.S. Secret Service in March, his father Theodis Daniel said DJ's family is hopeful about his future, thanks in part to a research study he is participating in.
'He's beating the odds," Theodis said at the time. But two months later, the proud parent shared that the odds have changed.
During a swearing-in ceremony at Williamson County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) in Texas, Theodis told FOX 7 Austin that the teen is 'just winging it day by day' in the face of new health hardships.
'He does have three new tumors,' the father told the Texas outlet at the May 19 ceremony. '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.'
But DJ, whose desire to become a law enforcement officer stemmed from his family's experiences during Hurricane Harvey, has already achieved his goal, according to FOX 7. He has been sworn in by more than 1,300 agencies, including multiple on May 19. And his family remains hopeful.
Amid DJ's health struggles, Theodis told FOX 7, '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.' '
Perhaps the crowning jewel of DJ's honorary law enforcement titles is U.S. Secret Service agent. President Donald Trump bestowed him with the honor on March 4 in a joint address to Congress.
'Tonight, 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 Secret Service,' Trump, 78, told the teen, whose eyes widened upon hearing the news.
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The following day, DJ also visited the president in the Oval Office. And, after his father shared his latest health update in Texas, the White House released a statement of support for the teen.
'We're lifting up Agent DJ Daniel in prayer after his dad, Theodis, shared that DJ is now facing three new tumors,' an X post from the White House said.
'DJ is one of the strongest, bravest young men—and has now been sworn into 1,351 law enforcement agencies across the country," the post continued. "Agent Daniel, you're a true legend. 🇺🇸.'
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13-Year-Old with Brain and Spinal Cancer Faces New Health Struggle 2 Months After Becoming Honorary Secret Service Agent
DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old honorary U.S. Secret Service agent living with brain and spinal cancer, has three new tumors DJ's father Theodis Daniel shared the health update at a May 19 swearing-in ceremony, two months after President Donald Trump made DJ an honorary agent 'It's rough — there isn't a class that can teach you how to deal with it,' Theodis said about his son's latest diagnosisAs a small child, Devarjaye 'DJ' Daniel was given months to live. In 2018, the Texas native was diagnosed with brain and spinal cancer, with doctors giving him five months to live, according to the United States Secret Service. Five months turned into five years. Now, after seven years and more than 13 brain surgeries, DJ is still standing. But a new diagnosis has shaken his family and supporters. When the teen — who wants to be a police officer — was sworn in as an honorary agent of the U.S. Secret Service in March, his father Theodis Daniel said DJ's family is hopeful about his future, thanks in part to a research study he is participating in. 'He's beating the odds," Theodis said at the time. But two months later, the proud parent shared that the odds have changed. During a swearing-in ceremony at Williamson County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) in Texas, Theodis told FOX 7 Austin that the teen is 'just winging it day by day' in the face of new health hardships. 'He does have three new tumors,' the father told the Texas outlet at the May 19 ceremony. '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.' But DJ, whose desire to become a law enforcement officer stemmed from his family's experiences during Hurricane Harvey, has already achieved his goal, according to FOX 7. He has been sworn in by more than 1,300 agencies, including multiple on May 19. And his family remains hopeful. Amid DJ's health struggles, Theodis told FOX 7, '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.' ' Perhaps the crowning jewel of DJ's honorary law enforcement titles is U.S. Secret Service agent. President Donald Trump bestowed him with the honor on March 4 in a joint address to Congress. 'Tonight, 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 Secret Service,' Trump, 78, told the teen, whose eyes widened upon hearing the news. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories. The following day, DJ also visited the president in the Oval Office. And, after his father shared his latest health update in Texas, the White House released a statement of support for the teen. 'We're lifting up Agent DJ Daniel in prayer after his dad, Theodis, shared that DJ is now facing three new tumors,' an X post from the White House said. 'DJ is one of the strongest, bravest young men—and has now been sworn into 1,351 law enforcement agencies across the country," the post continued. "Agent Daniel, you're a true legend. 🇺🇸.' Read the original article on People
