DJ Daniel has been honored by over 1,300 law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service. But two Houston events with Aldean topped them all.
HOUSTON — A 13-year-old Pearland boy who is battling brain cancer helped a country superstar and the Houston Astros raise big bucks for children with cancer.
Jason Aldean brought DJ Daniel onstage before his concert on Friday, Aug. 15, at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands. Aldean, in partnership with the Astros Foundation, then presented a surprise check for $200,000 to Heroes for Children. Aldean thanked the nonprofit for their work on behalf of kids fighting cancer and their families. He also thanked DJ for bringing awareness to the organization.
Earlier this year, DJ posted a video online and said, “Hey, does anybody know Jason Aldean? Because we’re trying to do a country show down here to raise money for kids with cancer.”
Aldean responded in a video with fellow star Darius Rucker and promised to meet DJ and help with his mission. Last week, he made good on that promise.
Before the concert, Aldean attended an Astros game at Daikin Park. The team also invited children with cancer and their families to watch batting practice and meet players.
On Thursday, Aldean joined Astros legends Jeff Bagwell and Roger Clemens, DJ and other children with cancer for a day of mini-golf.
DJ has also been honored by law enforcement agencies in Houston and around the country. The U.S. Secret Service even made him an honorary agent, and President Donald Trump honored him during an address.
The Pearland boy, who suffers from a rare form of brain and spinal cancer, was told eight years ago that he had about 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. Every time I went in there, over 13 times, my dad has to relearn me,” DJ said when he was named the Honorary Assistant Chief of the Kemah Police Department earlier this year.
Earlier this summer, doctors found three new tumors, according to DJ’s father, Theodis.
Since then, despite all the surgeries and other treatments he’s endured, DJ has spent countless hours working to raise awareness and money in the fight against childhood cancer.
Heroes For Children helps to ensure no family faces childhood cancer alone. For more information and additional ways to donate, visit https://www.heroesforchildren.org/.