Danroy “DJ” Henry, Jr. was born on October 29, 1989. He is the first child of Angella and Danroy Henry. DJ grew up in Easton, Massachusetts with his brother, Kyle, and sister, Amber.
DJ’s overwhelming passion for people and sports defined his life, and it’s this passion that the DJ Henry Dream Fund organization aspires to bring to children today.
Danroy “DJ” Henry, Jr. came into this world on October 29, 1989 to ecstatic first-time parents, Angella and Dan. He grew up in Easton, joined by his younger siblings, Kyle and Amber. Growing up in this tight-knit family gave DJ the “yes I can” drive and enthusiasm that propelled his athletic journey.
Throughout junior high school his favorite sport was soccer, and he spent hours working to improve his skills. In high school, he became a three-sport athlete: track, basketball, and football. He always believed in playing fair, working hard, and performing at his best. Playing multiple sports in high school allowed him to explore and learn each, and DJ attended Pace University to continue playing the sport he loved most–football.
On October 17, 2010, DJ’s life was tragically cut short in New York. In an effort to create something positive through this unthinkable tragedy, the Henry family started the DJ Henry Dream Fund. DJHDF set out to honor DJ’s legacy by helping kids in Massachusetts achieve their dreams.
The vision of the DJ Henry Dream Fund is to share DJ’s love of sports by providing community-based scholarships to Massachusetts children between the ages of 5 to 18. Believing that every child deserves a “YES” when it comes to community engagement, DJHDF provides financial support allowing youths to participate in community-based programs such as sports, performing arts, and summer programs. Participation in such programs, despite economic position, empowers young people to be the best they can be.
DJ’s own commitment to his peers in need is reflected in the countless stories of his willingness to do things like share equipment with teammates or pay sports fees for others. He had a fierce determination to make certain no one felt invisible while on the field or sidelines. DJ’s life serves as the legacy we carry forward every day at the DJ Henry Dream Foundation.