Where Are They Now? Say Hello (Again) to Levi & D.J.
This article is appearing as part of our 30 on 30 series, honoring 30 years of JoyRx programs in 2025. This month, we’re celebrating the stories of two people we’ve served in the past to check in on what they’re up to today! In thirty years and over two million joy interactions, we’ve had the privilege of getting to know some amazing young humans. We’re so grateful for the JoyRx-served children who graduate from mentorship matches or conclude treatment at the hospital but still find ways to stay involved with Children’s Cancer Association, whether by becoming mentors themselves, attending events, or volunteering their time in other ways.
But where are they now? In honor of thirty years of Children’s Cancer Association, we chatted with two JoyRx-served teens (now adults!) to see how they’re doing.
One common theme resonated throughout our conversations: they’ve carried the importance of joy through the years.
So, let’s celebrate these wonderful people!
Levi
At age thirteen, Levi was matched with his JoyRx Mentor Jay. Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in September 2008, Levi went through harsh chemotherapy treatments, nausea, severe allergic reactions, and painful shots.
Thankfully, Levi finished his treatment and is happy to report that he’s been off chemo for nearly ten years. Although he undergoes yearly check-ups and will continue to do so for the rest of his life, he takes every day in stride.
His time with Jay, his JoyRx Mentor, remains a highlight of his life despite the hardships of cancer treatment. Their mentorship involved trying new things and expanding their culinary palettes and blossomed into a dear friendship.
When they first went out to eat, Levi would always choose restaurants like Red Robin. But Jay encouraged him to venture outside his comfort zone and try new foods, like a quality steakhouse or Korean BBQ.
Levi became so interested in food that he attended culinary school thanks to encouragement from his sister. That love of food and all its artistry and connection remains true even today.
“I have dedicated the last few years of my life moving up through the hospitality industry,” he said, “working as a chef and sommelier.”
Currently, he serves as the Director of Hospitality and Head Sommelier for the historic Joel Palmer House in Dayton, Oregon.
“My passion for creating lasting memories for our guests is the backbone of our service,” he said proudly.
Levi also works closely with JoyRx as an adult. He serves on our Young Professionals Council, providing support for events and marketing outreach with his inspiring story.
“I want to use my story to encourage others,” he said. “JoyRx helped save my life. I believe the power of joy is as important as medicine.”
See Levi talk about his story during our Day of Joy celebrations this year:
When looking back on nearly fifteen years since his mentorship graduation, there are many things that he’s held onto from the experience. For him, though, there’s one central force that he always returns to:
“The people. Especially my [Mentor] Jay. While the JoyRx program is fantastic in so many ways, we tend to forget that it’s about the people in your life who mean most to you. Jay has been there for every major moment in my life and continues to be part of my life. That’s everything.”
D.J.
D.J. is no stranger to JoyRx programs, as a teen served and as a member of the Young Professionals Council. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor in his senior year of high school, his world was flipped upside down.
Thankfully, a meaningful connection with his JoyRx Mentor Josh helped him through those hard times.
“I know my match made a huge impact on my experience battling cancer as a high schooler,” he said. “Josh would sit with me at appointments, help me process and consider life and what next steps might look like, and how to find the gift of the present.”
For D.J., it went beyond just a mentor appearing with a bag of toys. It was a deep connection that helped make every day a little easier.
“Sure, occasionally we would put together a set of LEGOs from the toy bag while we visited, but most importantly, Josh was simply a friend,” D.J. said. “As a teen fighting a serious illness, hospitalized and bedridden, your social circle evaporates. You become isolated and that isolation can suck the joy from your life. Though he had no obligation to do so, Josh chose to volunteer his time to come and fill that void; he became a loyal friend in an empty space. I will always be grateful for his contribution to my life.”
See D.J. discuss his diagnosis from an interview during his treatment:
After D.J. finished treatment, he continued his involvement with JoyRx, first as a CCA Hero, then serving on two boards — the Young Adults Alliance and the Young Professionals’ Council.
In recent years, D.J. has moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which has limited his involvement with JoyRx Mentorship programs.
“But I’ve already gotten to volunteer at the Golf for Joy Tournament in Austin,” he said excitedly. “I hope to go back and volunteer again in November, and I’m really looking forward to seeing JoyRx grow its footprint in Texas.”
D.J. completed his bachelor’s degree in December 2023 and just finished his second semester of getting his master’s degree in science in sports management through Texas A&M University. He has a lot to look forward to in the future — graduating from his master’s program, his family’s athletic facility finishing construction, and leading Bible studies through his local church.
He also hopes to become a JoyRx Mentor, so he can pay forward the connection and support that Josh gave to him.
“I know with all the ways I’ve been supported by the organization, that other kids and teens going through serious illnesses are also finding joy, support, and hope through their interactions with JoyRx,” he said. “Why wouldn’t I give back and do the same for them? That would be such a fulfilling ‘full circle’ moment.”
We know that one day D.J. will make an excellent JoyRx Mentor!