Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel from Pearland, Texas, received a devastating diagnosis: anaplastic ependymoma, a rare and aggressive brain and spinal cancer. Doctors gave him a mere five months to live. Now 13, DJ has defied medical expectations, enduring over 13 brain surgeries and experimental treatments. His journey took a challenging turn in November 2024 when he revealed on Instagram the discovery of three new brain tumors, a setback confirmed by his father, Theodis Daniel, in a May 2025 interview. Despite this, DJ remains “happy and vibrant,” embodying resilience that captivates hearts nationwide.
Anaplastic ependymoma is a formidable adversary, often requiring aggressive interventions due to its impact on the central nervous system. For DJ, this has meant enduring repeated surgeries, each with significant risks and recovery challenges. Theodis Daniel, a single father and veteran raising DJ and his two brothers, has openly shared the emotional toll.
“It’s rough; there isn’t a class that can teach you how to deal with it,”
he said.
“You’re hearing that your child has a nasty disease”
Yet, DJ’s spirit shines through.
“If you were to have cancer, don’t lose hope in life. All you have to do is pray, have faith in God, and simply keep the negative vibes out of your head,”
he told after a ceremony in Little Rock.
DJ’s aspiration to become a police officer was sparked during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, when officers brought pizza to his family at a shelter, offering comfort amid chaos.
“Something as simple as three officers handing us pizzas essentially placed it in the minds of Devarjaye and his brothers to be police officers,”
Theodis recalled. Motivated, DJ established a 2019 goal of having 100 police agencies swear him in as an honorary officer. He has since been honored by over 1,300 agencies across the U.S. and internationally, including in Italy. A pivotal moment came on April 15, 2025, in Berkeley, Missouri, where over 200 agencies swore him in, pushing his total to around 1,100. By May 2025, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office celebrated his 1,351st swearing-in, a reminder of his long-standing purpose.
On March 4, 2025, DJ’s dream reached a pinnacle when President Donald Trump, during a joint address to Congress, named him an honorary U.S. Secret Service agent.
“Because DJ seriously stepped up to the plate,” Trump said as Secret Service Director Sean Curran handed DJ a badge.
The moment, which drew raucous applause and chants of “DJ! DJ!” and from lawmakers, was a bright spot for the young cancer survivor. But it also caused outrage. Some Democrats faced criticism for not standing or clapping, with figures like Don Jr. and Clay Travis calling their response “heartless”. Online, DJ and his family endured harassment, with cruel comments targeting his appearance and connection to Trump. Theodis refused a monetary proposal to go away as he declared,
“We’re not in this to make money or to get publicity”
The backlash has taken a toll, with Theodis noting its impact on DJ’s fragile health.
DJ’s journey extends beyond personal triumphs. His story has galvanized communities, raising awareness about childhood cancer, which affects approximately 4,600 children under 15 in the U.S. annually, with brain tumors being the second most common type after leukemia.
During the Berkeley ceremony, DJ helped swear in nine other children with cancer as honorary officers, amplifying their dreams and fostering solidarity. His playful “traffic stop” on the St. Louis Cardinals’ mascot, Fredbird, brought joy to the event.
“They are just so positive,”
said Officer Mike Broaddus of the Murrayville-Woodson Police, reflecting on DJ and the other children. DJ’s mission has also inspired figures like Meghan McCain, who called his recognition “beautiful” and “special,” given her father’s battle with brain cancer.
