Dwayne Johnson is sharing his emotional FaceTime call with a five-year-old fan.
The actor took to Instagram to post a call between him and a “very special little boy” named Jett, who was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).
Johnson explained that it’s a "highly aggressive and inoperable brain tumor that occurs almost exclusively in young children” and has a survival rate of eight to 11 months.
The actor explained that the tumor can affect the ability to "walk, talk, smile and eventually breathe - all while leaving the mind completely in tact.”
In the caption, the star reveals that Jett underwent 30 rounds of radiation without sedation during which he “lost the ability to speak.”
Instead, he uses hand signals such as a thumbs up or down to respond.
Johnson revealed that he was lucky enough to chat virtually with Jett and his family about three weeks ago.
In the video, Jett’s sitting on the couch with his family.
"Jett, I want you to know buddy it's so good meeting you. I've heard so much about you, and I've heard the most amazing things about you. Honestly, it's the best part of my day," the actor can be heard saying in the clip.
"I was working today, and 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 said before holding up a piece of paper with Jett’s information.
"Look, it just goes on and on and on. There's all this amazing stuff here about you. Truly, this makes my day. Thank you so much for even giving me the time to say hello and meet you,” he added.
In the caption, the actor noted: “This little boy looks up to me as a superhero. 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.”
He revealed that he believes that the “little boy is way stronger, braver and kinder than I’ll ever be.”
Jett’s mother also thanked The Rock for “shining a light” on her family’s battle.
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"You have a special son," Johnson said as he became overcome with emotion.
The former WWE wrestler acknowledged that he connects with many families going through dark times, but he found himself particularly moved by Jett’s story.
"And usually I have my s--- together - usually I’m strong in the moment. 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,’" Johnson wrote in the caption.
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He admitted that he thinks he was so moved because Jett is the same age as his daughter, Jasmine Johnson.
"She was the same age as Jett. I guess that's why it all hit me," he noted.
Johnson said it was a “PRIVELEGE” to talk to Jett, who he said has a “super power by simply giving a thumbs up.”
Johnson is known for his kind gestures and for giving back to his community in various ways. Last month, he gifted his mother a Cadillac for Christmas. Prior to that, he surprised a Navy vet with the gift of his dreams -- his customized pickup truck that he refers to as his "baby.”
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And while accepting the People’s Choice Award in December, he pointed out a teen fan in the crowd whose wish was to be at the award show, asked her to stand, and offered the award to her.
“I met her earlier,” Johnson explained. “I told her how inspired I was by her story. She is a survivor. She has fought literally for her life. She has inspired her family, her friends, now you guys here -- now the world that is watching.”
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