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

• Judah, a 14-year-old boy who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just two weeks old was granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation to meet and record music with Jason Derulo
• “I was nervous … this is the most surreal and heartwarming thing I have ever been a part of,” Judah said
• Derulo noted, “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”

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

Judah, a 14-year-old boy who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just two weeks old has spent his life in and out of the hospital undergoing daily treatments, regular doctor appointments and facing numerous health scares. “It was when Judah was old enough to realize that he was different than other children that I think the emotional repercussions of his disease started to affect him,” April Grim, Judah’s mom said, according to a release obtained by PEOPLE. “Being a teenager is tough enough. Having a chronic illness is extremely stressful.”

Despite the challenges, Judah has found comfort in creating music. “You can very well perceive somebody by what you see on the outside — people used to say, ‘Oh you have it perfect’ besides the fact that I have cystic fibrosis, but then when you listen [to music], you get to explore a new realm of what life is for that person,” Judah explained about his love of music in the release. With the help of Make-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.

The aspiring musician spent the entire afternoon on Nov. 8  in Derulo’s private home studio, making music and being mentored by the “Spicy Margarita” singer and other musical talents. “Working with Make-A-Wish is a chance to be part of something bigger than myself. 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.”

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.”