Teen with Cystic Fibrosis Surprised with Private Jason Derulo Recording Session: 'Surreal and Heartwarming'

Mar. 15, 2025

Judah (center) and Jason Derulo (center left).Photo:Make a Wish/collagedrop_out

Make a Wish/collagedrop_out

One boy’s musical dreams have come true thanks to a little help fromJason Derulo.

“The scariest moment I’ve experienced was when Judah was admitted to the hospital with a bad lung infection. His lung function was dropping rapidly, he was losing weight and was unable to keep food down and had an extremely high fever,” Cesar Favela, Judah’s father, said.“That was the most heartbreaking moment I’ve experienced as a parent.”

Judah (top left) with dad Cesar Favela, stepmom Taylor Favela and siblings Carolyn and Lucas.Cesar Favela

Cesar Favela

With the help ofMake-A-Wish, the budding musician was able to make his dreams come true, having the opportunity to experience a professional recording session, learn more about the music industry and record a song.

It wasn’t until Judah was taken in a limo to a “recording studio” and arrived at Jason Derulo’s house that the 14-year-old was clued in on the surprise. “I was nervous … this is the most surreal and heartwarming thing I have ever been a part of,” Judah said, according to the release.

Judah (center) with his parents.April Grim

April Grim

This partnership allows me to support their mission and help bring hope to more kids like Judah,” Derulo — who is continuing his work with Make-A-Wish through the holiday season with the#MakeMeHappySweepstakes— said. This holiday season, those who donate $10 or more to Make-A-Wish will have the chance to meet Derulo backstage at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball in Miami on December 21st.

Derulo, 35, added, “Giving back has always been important to me, and with Make-A-Wish, I believe we can make a lasting difference. I hope this inspires others to join us, as there are kids who are waiting and wishes that need to be granted.”

Judah (right) and Jason Derulo.Make a Wish/collagedrop_out

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At the end of his time with the “Trumpets” singer, Judah went home with his very own, fully produced song called “Pick Up The Phone,” on which he collaborated vocally with Jason Derulo. “There were moments that we felt that maybe someone else deserved [a wish] more but the fact of the matter is that Judah didn’t ask for this disease to happen, and no child asks for it, no parents ask for it, no caregivers ask for it, no siblings ask for it,” Judah’s mother said, according to the release.

She added, “If your physician mentions [Make-A-Wish] to you, look into it because it’s an amazing experience and we’re just filled up with love right now.”

source: people.com