by CJ DeJohn, a 10-year-old from Strongsville, had the opportunity to spend Thursday afternoon serving as a Junior Reporter during Cleveland Browns training camp
DeJohn had the opportunity to shadow a Cleveland.com reporter as part of A Special Wish Cleveland. Since he’s been born, DeJohn has been dealing with a life-threatening heart disease known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome– a birth defect that affects normal blood flow through the heart. This has caused the 10-year-old to live in and out of hospitals growing up.
Current Browns cornerback T.J. Carrie had open-heart surgery at the age of 14, something that’ll always be with him due to the large scar on his chest. Both of them had the opportunity to take a picture together, sharing a special moment showing their scars.
Words don’t explain what me and Cj Dejohn have been through. We both had open heart surgery but dreams can still be accomplished. pic.twitter.com/IA8LfEiZJe
— TJ Carrie (@tj_carrie) August 2, 2019
Along with the picture, Carrie got a chance to share a special message to DeJohn. He made sure to tell him that no matter what life may throw at you, you can do anything you put your mind to.
This was an absolutely awesome moment between @tj_carrie and our Junior Reporter @clevelanddotcom CJ DeJohn from @aspecialwishcle. Both have had open-heart surgeries and showed off their scars. Carrie had some words of encouragement for the little man. Footage: @Browns. #Browns pic.twitter.com/EHfev6rTgb
— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) August 1, 2019
Carrie was originally a seventh-round draft pick by the Oakland Raiders in 2014. He spent the first four years there before signing a four-year, $31 million contract in 2018 with the Cleveland Browns.
