Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Stewart.
Hi DJ, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Almost 7 years ago, while signing health insurance paperwork at a new job, I had a seizure, which led to the discovery of a grade 4 glioblastoma brain tumor. I was given 11 to 18 months to live. I didn’t give up.
After my brain surgery, I submitted a video to a local radio station contest and actually won a wedding for my Wife and I. We were married on live TV nine days later with 35 staples in my head. A year later, the tumor was back, and I had to have another brain surgery. I began documenting my journey on Instagram and Facebook. I kept riding my skateboard and motorcycle in spite of being told I would never do that again. That sparked a short documentary being made called Rare Enough. Rare enough forever ever changed my life. A few months later, Tony Hawk flew my wife and I out to spend a week with him and his family at their home and to do an episode of his podcast. After that, my wife and I sold our home, bought an RV and began traveling the Country meeting other brain, cancer survivors, and communities all over the US. We have been doing that for years now, but still homebase in Kansas City with our beautiful 15 month old baby boy. I have planned events all over the country that have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for brain cancer research and patient support. Kansas City has helped. Keep me alive in so many ways physically mentally and emotionally.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Far from it.
Chemo, Radiation, 2 Craniotomies, So many different meds on such a strict schedule. So much anxiety of it coming back, The worry of “am I slipping” always lives in the back of my mind. Every time I forget my keys or can’t find something, I feel like its the tumor.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I host a podcast where I share other stories of people being “Rare Enough”
I have a series of signature skateboards and other products with art inspired by my journey
The Short film “Rare Enough” has won multiple awards at film festivals big and small and inspired a sequel “A Beautiful Brain”
I have planned events all over the country but my favorite are the ones in KC. I have worked with 100s of KC’s favorite Stores, Brands and restaurants.
Collections with KC Favorites “MADE MOBB and CHEATIN SNAKES” to raise funds for the community.
I have also worked on the Harrison St DIY skatepark in Columbus Park since its inception, and continue to work to get better skateparks in more places all around KC.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I wish I could say I spent more time reading actual books but I havent finished one in years.
I am seldom on my phone if its not talking to survivors or caregivers.
I mostly listen to music all day long to keep me in whatever mood I need to be in. Music is healing,
Contact Info:
- Instagram: djaystewart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dj.stewart.14
- Other: https://vimeo.com/672025639
