Dwayne Johnson Proves He Has A Heart Of Gold With Sweet Fan Tribute
By Kristin Myers on January 8, 2022 at 8:35 AM EST
Actor Dwayne Johnson is proving that he really is the People’s Champion!
On Saturday, morning, Johnson took to Instagram to share the story of a young boy named Jett, who was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), which is an inoperable brain tumor that is most commonly found in young children.
Three weeks ago, Johnson completed a FaceTime call with the family in order to send the family some positive vibes his way.
“Jett, I want you to know buddy, it’s so good meeting you,” Johnson says in the video. “I heard so much about you and I’ve heard the most amazing things about you and I honestly… it’s the best part of my day. I was working today. I was making a television show. It’s called ‘Young Rock’ and I could not wait to see you and talk to you and finally meet you.”
He showed a list of “all the amazing stuff I've heard about you” and added, “Truly, this makes my day, and thank you so much for even giving me the time to say hello to you and meet you.”
Dwayne Johnson Shares Jett’s Story With His Instagram Followers
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In the caption of the video, Johnson wrote, “A VERY special little boy I want you guys around the world to meet. His name is Jett. He’s 5 years old.”
“In 2021, this family’s hearts were shattered when Jett was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG),” he explained. “Highly aggressive and inoperable brain tumor that occurs almost exclusively in young children. The prognosis of DIPG is poor. Survival rate of 8-11 months. DIPG takes away the ability to walk, talk, smile, and eventually breathe - all while leaving the mind completely intact.”
“THIS LITTLE BOY IS SO STRONG,” he continued. “30 rounds of radiation without sedation. Just calm and brave. He’s lost the ability to speak but completely understands and he uses thumbs up or thumbs down to respond to things.”
“This little boy looks up to me as a superhero,” he added. “He believes I’m brave, strong, funny and kind. Maybe I’m a few of those things, but in this moment talking to him, I just don’t know. But what I do know is that this little boy is way stronger, braver and kinder than I’ll ever be.”
Dwayne Johnson Describes How He Was 'Too Emotional To Speak'
“I speak to a lot of kids (and adults) every week who are fighting for their lives, and usually I have my s--- together - usually I’m strong in the moment,” he shared. “Strong for the kids and the parents. I keep it together. But this time when I was telling Jett’s mommy and daddy, Larisa and Manny how special their son is… I just had to pause. Too emotional to speak. “All I could muster was ‘I’m sorry.’”
“This FaceTime call took place three weeks ago and as soon as I ended this call, I was jumping on a plane to fly home just in time to tuck my little girl, Jazzy into bed,” he explained. “It was her birthday. She was the same age as Jett. I guess that’s why it all hit me.”
“I don’t why things like this happen the way they do,” he added. “I just don’t know.”
“But, it was such a PRIVILEGE for me to talk to Jett and his family,” he continued. “I’m in awe of his bravery and the strength of his parents, Larisa & Manny. Thanks everyone out there for reading this and saying a little prayer and sending positive vibes Jett’s way.”
“This little boy is SO STRONG that has a SUPER POWER by simply giving a thumbs up,” he wrote. “Stay strong, Jett.”
He signed off “your ‘thumbs up buddy’ ~ dj”
Fans Are IN AWE Of The Rock’s Big Heart!
“What an amazing young man. Life is so unfair sometimes,” one fan commented. “I pray Jett lives the best life he possibly can with his loving family. I’m sure seeing you made his heart happy.”
“You are so amazing!!!” another fan wrote. “My family loves you and admire your heart and kindness , especially after You wish Ofra happy birthday !!!20 minutes of worms wishes meant so much to us , btw I watched you’re video from Tel Aviv , Israel ! Thank you so much !!!”
“Thank you! @therock,” wrote jtlsbutterfly. “You just made this little special boys day. You can't even imagine how special. I to had a son that was diagnosed with leukemia at 7 and passed at 9yrs of age his name was Daniel but went by ‘Lindo’ ( precious in spanish). This is really special to me to see this. Not surprising from you though, is why you are loved so much. Stay humble, #peopleschamp.”
Johnson actually commented on the post, writing, “Thank you for sharing this. I’m so so sorry to her about Daniel. I know you are, but stay strong.”
