A 13-year-old boy sworn in by the Secret Service after inspiring President Donald Trump with his fight against incurable brain cancer, was recently diagnosed with three additional tumors.
The White House said Friday that Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel’s father, Theodis, revealed his son has three new tumors.
“We’re lifting up Agent DJ Daniel in prayer after his dad, Theodis, shared that DJ is now facing three new tumors,” the White House wrote in an X post.
“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.”
Daniel, whose dream is to become a police officer, was thrust into the national spotlight when he was sworn in by the president before a joint session of Congress March 4.
Doctors gave him less than five months to live in 2018, when he was initially diagnosed with brain cancer.
Taking advantage of a research study, the Texas teen is still alive after numerous brain surgeries.
Father Shares Heartbreaking Update
Theodis Daniel revealed the devastating news about his son’s three new tumors during recent appearances with law enforcement agencies.
“Just winging it day by day,” Theodis Daniel told FOX 7 Austin. “He does have three new tumors. 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.”
The announcement came as DJ was being sworn in by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office in Texas, bringing his total number of honorary law enforcement positions to 1,351 agencies across the country.
Secret Service Responds with Support
The U.S. Secret Service posted a statement on Saturday expressing their concern and support for their youngest honorary agent.
We are concerned to learn this morning that DJ Daniel is facing new challenges. We’ve never met a more courageous and inspiring young man. The entire Secret Service family stands with him as he overcomes this next chapter,” the statement read.
A Journey of Defying the Odds
DJ’s remarkable journey began in 2018 when he was diagnosed with metastatic anaplastic ependymoma, a rare form of brain and spine cancer. Doctors initially gave the then-7-year-old just five months to live.
Since that devastating diagnosis, DJ has undergone 13 brain surgeries. His father notes that each surgery has changed his son’s personality, requiring the family to constantly adapt.
“From 2018, they said I only had five months to live. Look at me now, I’m still living, but the craziest part is I’m 13 years old and I had 13 brain surgeries. That’s how many times my personality has changed,” DJ said in a recent interview.
Presidential Honor Captures Nation’s Heart
DJ’s story captured national attention on March 4, 2025, when President Trump honored him during his address to a joint session of Congress.
Joining us in the gallery tonight is a young man who truly loves our police,” Trump said. “The doctors gave him five months at most to live. That was more than six years ago.”
In a moment that brought the House chamber to its feet, Trump directed Secret Service Director Sean Curran to officially make DJ an “agent of the United States.
The surprise announcement left DJ visibly shocked before his father, Theodis, lifted him up for the crowd to see. DJ proudly raised his new certificate as chants of “DJ! DJ!” erupted from the chamber.
Mission to Honor Law Enforcement Continues
Despite his health challenges, DJ continues his mission to be sworn in by as many law enforcement agencies as possible. What started as a goal of 100 badges has now exceeded 1,350 agencies nationwide.
“Well, once I reach 1,000, I’m just going to keep on going until my gas tank runs out. That’s when God calls you home,” DJ had said earlier this year.
His mission began both as a way to raise awareness of childhood cancer and to honor the legacy of Abigail Arias, a seven-year-old girl who died of lung cancer in 2019 and whose dream was to work in law enforcement one day.
Support from Law Enforcement Community
Most recently, DJ was sworn in by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office in Texas, where Deputy Jeffrey Combs was moved by the father-son bond.
“I saw Theodis pick his son up,” Combs told FOX 7. “I felt that unconditional love, and I just knew I had to find DJ. So, it all worked out.”
In April, he achieved another federal agency swearing-in when Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, a fellow cancer survivor, named him an honorary United States Park Police officer.
Family Remains Hopeful
Despite the grim news of three new tumors, the Daniel family continues to inspire others with their positive outlook and determination.
“We just have to turn something that most of us see as bad and tragic into something positive,” Theodis said. “We’re supposed to be in the business of trying to inspire people to be a better version of themselves despite what you’re going through.”
In a recent Instagram video, DJ encouraged other children battling cancer to “have faith, believe in God” and to listen to their parents.
As the nation rallies around DJ Daniel once again, his story serves as a powerful reminder of courage in the face of overwhelming adversity and the unbreakable bond between a father and son determined to make every moment count.
