Thirteen-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel has never let cancer define him. He has faced more battles in his young life than most people ever will, yet his spirit remains unbreakable. With a heart full of courage and a mission to inspire, DJ has won over communities across the country, joining the ranks of law enforcement agencies and bringing hope wherever he goes.
On Tuesday, March 4, during the State of the Union address, DJ was recognized on a national stage for his resilience and determination. Seated among dignitaries and guests, he stood as a representative for children facing similar battles.
DJ’s journey has been anything but easy. Diagnosed at just six and a half years old with a rare form of brain and spinal cancer, doctors initially gave him only five months to live. That was seven years ago. Since then, he has undergone more than a dozen brain surgeries and endured countless experimental treatments in the fight to stay alive.
Adding to his family’s hardships, in 2017, they lost their home and all their possessions during Hurricane Harvey. Forced to seek refuge, they spent weeks living at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. It was there, amid the chaos and uncertainty, that DJ found his admiration for law enforcement. Officers stationed at the shelter treated him with kindness and encouragement, making a lasting impact on him. That experience ignited his dream of becoming an honorary officer—a dream that has led him to be sworn into more than 900 agencies across the country, including the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and the police departments of Liberty and Dayton, Texas.
His father, Theodis Daniel, told Bluebonnet News Wednesday, March 5, that their trip to Washington, D.C., came as a complete surprise. In late February, Theodis received a call from the White House inviting DJ and the family to attend the State of the Union as guests of First Lady Melania Trump. There was no expectation of special recognition—they were simply honored to be there, excited for the experience of witnessing President Donald Trump deliver his address to the nation.
Their seating placed them just behind First Lady Melania Trump and newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel. Throughout the evening, they met with other honorees and even had the chance to meet Elon Musk, who is leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
For DJ, the moment of recognition was overwhelming.
“I was not expecting this at all,” he said.
When his father first told him about the invitation, he was left speechless.
“I am not going to lie. When they said I was being made an honorary member of the Secret Service, my jaw was all the way to the ground,” he said.
What should have been a night of celebration was overshadowed, however, by the behavior of some members of Congress. Many Democrats protested throughout the speech, refusing to stand or applaud for those being honored, including the families of Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray—both killed by illegal immigrants during President Joe Biden’s term—or high school senior Jason Hartley, who learned during the address that he had been accepted into West Point Military Academy. Even DJ’s recognition as an honorary member of the U.S. Secret Service was met with silence from those in protest.
Adding to the disruption, Houston-area U.S. Rep. Al Green, a Democrat, was ejected from the chamber for failing to adhere to the rules of decorum. Theodis Daniel was deeply disappointed by what he witnessed.
“If you wanted to act a fool, you should have stayed at home,” he said. “It’s as simple as that. They are supposed to be in there and be a part of the process of getting things in order and trying to get this country back together.”
He went on to say that respect must go both ways.
“In order to be respected as congressmen and congresswomen, they need to show respect for the U.S. House and the president,” Theodis said.
For Theodis, who previously ran for Houston mayor, the experience has only strengthened his resolve to run for office again—this time, possibly as a Republican candidate for Congress.
“I’m level-headed and very fair. I don’t care about the money. I care about the results. We have to meet in the middle and do what’s in the best interest of the country,” he said.
Despite the tense political atmosphere, DJ remained true to his character—supporting and celebrating those around him. He was seen high-fiving Jason Hartley, the newly accepted West Point cadet, showing once again the kindness and positivity that define him.
Tuesday night’s pinning ceremony marked DJ’s 909th honorary induction into a law enforcement agency, but his father said this one was “the icing on the cake.”
Though DJ is doing well at the moment, Theodis shared that his son is facing new medical challenges, with three new tumors forming in his small body. But if there’s one thing DJ has proven time and again, it is that he is a fighter. His medical battle is far from over, but neither is his mission to spread hope, joy, and inspiration.
My heart goes out to this young man. That part of the whole night was my favorite, made me cry (tears of joy and sadness). My prayers are with young DJ. My youngest brother passed away at age 6 from a brain tumor. That has been many many years ago (in fact the 11th of this March will be 64 years ago). I love that little DJ.
Is there a place where I can send congratulations to DJ or donate to medical expenses?
I would like to send a donation to this family as well. The bravery and what the family has gone through. So many of us want to help you. Love you little one. a Hug from your American Family.