Secret Service Honoree: Teen’s Brain Tumor Battle
- Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel, the 13-year-old texas teen who captured hearts after being sworn in as an honorary secret Service agent, is facing a new challenge in his battle...
- Daniel's journey began with a grim prognosis in 2018 when doctors estimated he had less than five months to live.
- His dream of becoming a police officer led to him being sworn in before a joint session of Congress.
teenager DJ Daniel, an honorary Secret Service agent, faces a new battle. The 13-year-old, a true inspiration, now confronts three additional tumors in his fight against brain cancer, a news development that underscores his remarkable resilience. This comes after Daniel was sworn into an amazing 1,351 law enforcement agencies, exceeding his goals and setting a Guinness World Record. The White House praised his strength, and his story of defying odds continues to spread a message of hope. Visit News Directory 3 for the very latest updates. Discover what’s next for this remarkable young man and his family.
DJ Daniel’s Brain Cancer Fight: Honorary Agent Faces New Tumors
Updated May 31, 2025
Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, the 13-year-old texas teen who captured hearts after being sworn in as an honorary secret Service agent, is facing a new challenge in his battle with brain cancer. The White House announced that Daniel, already an inspiration for his determination, has been diagnosed with three additional tumors.
DJ Daniel holds an honorary U.S. Secret Service special agent ID, presented to him by U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran, as President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress in washington March 4, 2025. (J. Scott AppleWhite / AP)
Daniel’s journey began with a grim prognosis in 2018 when doctors estimated he had less than five months to live. He has as undergone numerous brain surgeries and participated in a research study, defying the odds.
His dream of becoming a police officer led to him being sworn in before a joint session of Congress. Since then, he has been honored by over 1,351 law enforcement agencies across the nation, surpassing his goal of 1,000 and setting a Guinness World Record.
DJ Daniel poses with Secret Service agents after a K-9 exhibition. (U.S. Secret Service)
The White House acknowledged Daniel’s strength in a recent post on X, stating, “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.”
His father, Theodis Daniel, told FOX 7 Austin, ”Just winging it day by day. 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.”
“We’re just going around showing people, ‘Hey, you do care for one another,’” Theodis Daniel said. “Let’s give compassion, and let’s try to join and help each other get through things.”
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DJ Daniel hugs Doug Burgum after being sworn in. (Interior Secretary Doug Burgum)
In April, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, also a cancer survivor, swore in Daniel as an honorary United States Park Police officer.Daniel was also recently sworn in by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office in Texas.
What’s next
Despite the new challenges, DJ Daniel continues to inspire others with his positive attitude and dedication to his dream of serving in law enforcement. His family hopes to spread a message of compassion and support during this challenging time.