” … I ain’t gonna lie to you, the way he was looking, and I had never seen this before, I was unsure that he was gonna come back to the normal DJ,” his dad said.

HOUSTON — We recently sat down with a 13-year-old Pearland boy to hear about his exciting night with country superstar Jason Aldean. 

Despite his own battle with cancer, DJ Daniel works to raise money for Heroes for Children, a non-profit that helps kids with cancer and their families. Earlier this year, he 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.”

“He put out a video for Jason Aldean, and we didn’t think he was gonna answer, but he responded so fast!” Dad Theodis Daniel told KHOU 11. 

Aldean and fellow country artist Darius Rucker promised to meet DJ and help with his mission. Last week, he made good on that promise.

First, Aldean appeared at a mini-golf fundraiser for Heroes for Children with Astros legends Jeff Bagwell and Roger Clemens. 

But before Aldean’s concert on Friday, Aug. 15, in The Woodlands, DJ had a serious health scare. 

RELATED: Jason Aldean, Houston Astros partner with Pearland boy battling brain cancer to raise $200,000

“So he started having seizures on Monday and at the concert,” Theodis said. “And some of the artists that were there, saw him laying on the floor, and I ain’t gonna lie to you, the way he was looking, and I had never seen this before, I was unsure that he was gonna come back to the same normal DJ.”

Theodis said it had been five years since DJ’s last seizure.

Thankfully, his son rallied in time to appear on stage with Aldean, where they presented a surprise $200,000 check to the non-profit. Aldean thanked DJ for bringing awareness to the organization. 

“I’m gonna be honest, I don’t remember much because I had that seizure,” DJ told us days later.

Jason Aldean, Astros honor DJ Daniel

DJ has also been honored by more than 2,000 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. He proudly showed off his badge to KHOU 11 anchor Stephanie Simmons. 

Eight years ago, doctors told DJ’s family that he’d likely die within five months.

“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.

The little warrior with a big heart continues to defy the odds and inspire others with his positive attitude.

A day to remember. 🧡

Astros legends joined Jason Aldean yesterday to enjoy a day of mini golf with Heroes for Children before hosting them at batting practice!

Posted by Houston Astros on Saturday, August 16, 2025

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/.