DJ Daniel, the young man who captured the nation’s attention earlier this year when he was honored for his brave battle against cancer during President Donald Trump’s address of Congress, recently revealed that he is again battling the disease.
The White House shared the heartbreaking news via social media.
“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 account posted on X and Facebook. “DJ is one of the strongest, bravest young men — and has now been sworn into 1,351 law enforcement agencies across the country.”
Daniel is still swinging hard as he fights, and we know that because he has since appeared in a TikTok video asking country music star Jason Aldean — a big-time Trump supporter himself — for help.
“Hey does anybody know Jason Aldean?” Daniel said. “’Cause we’re trying to do a country show down here to raise money for kids with cancer.”
Daniel’s father also spoke with Fox7 TV after his recent setback.
“It’s rough,” he said. “There isn’t a class that can teach you how to deal with it. You’re hearing that your child has a nasty disease.”
Daniel, who is 13 now, was first diagnosed with brain and spinal cancer when he was 6, according to The Houston Chronicle. At the time, he was given just months to live, but he beat the odds while undergoing 12 surgeries.
Daniel’s dream was to become a police officer, and he wore a mock police uniform. A video of kids making fun of him for wearing the uniform went viral in 2024, and paved the way for his invite from Trump to attend the address of Congress in March.
“Joining us in the gallery tonight is a young man who truly loves our police,” Trump said pointing out Daniel. “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. He has been sworn in as an honorary officer a number of times. The police departments love him.”
Daniel was then made an honorary Secret Service Agent.
The news that he is once again battling cancer had people sending prayers and well-wishes.
“If all people had 1 ounce of the courage this kid has the world would be a much better place,” Mark Ballard responded to The White House’s post on Facebook. “Prayers going up for you big guy.”
“This little boy has stolen the hearts of our nation,” Windy Dugas Corcoran responded. “Prayers for you DJ.”
