OUR FOREVER INSPIRATION

Our daily inspiration will always be twelve year old Jessie Rees. Her heart to help other kids fighting cancer back in 2011 as she was fighting terminal cancer is what started this wave of compassion and sustains us today.

OUR MISSION

Encourage every kid fighting cancer to Never Ever Give Up!

We fulfill our mission by CONNECTING with families, bringing AWARENESS to their stories, offering them a network of helpful RESOURCES and sending the entire family continual doses of ENCOURAGEMENT throughout their journey.

OUR VISION

Our national vision is to become a symbol of HELP and HOPE in the childhood cancer space so every child fighting cancer (and their families) have the support and encouragement to NEGU during their courageous fight.

Our global vision is to be able to say “yes” to any Children’s Hospital request for JoyJars.

OUR MISSION

Encourage every kid fighting cancer to Never Ever Give Up!

We fulfill our mission by CONNECTING with families, bringing AWARENESS to their stories, offering them a network of helpful RESOURCES and sending the entire family continual doses of ENCOURAGEMENT throughout their journey.

OUR VISION

Our national vision is to become a symbol of HELP and HOPE in the childhood cancer space so every child fighting cancer (and their families) have the support and encouragement to NEGU during their courageous fight.

Our global vision is to be able to say “yes” to any Children’s Hospital request for JoyJars.

OUR HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

Jessie is diagnosed with cancer on March 3rd and decides three weeks later to help other kids that are fighting cancer. CBS News follows Jessie’s story. The first JoyJars are stuffed and the term “NEGU” (knee-goo) is born.  The foundation is founded and the first NEGU Golf Classic is held. Both “JoyJars” and “NEGU” receive trademark protection.

Erik & Stacey Rees

Erik & Stacey Rees

Courageous parents of Jessie 

OUR LEADERSHIP

FOUNDERS Stacey and Erik Rees, Jessie’s parents, are so honored to partner with an incredible team of seasoned corporate executives and talented individuals who help advise, lead and manage the foundation. They truly believe in the principle of teamwork and their “better together” motto.  Stacey leads the programs with an amazing group of staff and volunteers.  Erik partners with the Board of Directors and National  Advisory Team to help advance the mission. Together their sole purpose is to reach and resource every child fighting cancer in the world so they have the love, support and, encouragement to NEGU!

Donna Tomlinson

Sr. Director, Events & Video Production

Amber Gravely

Director of Marketing & Communications

Kristy Chuhaloff

Director, Program Operations

Shaya Rees Frum

Director of Program Advancement

Grant Frum

Director of Development

Julia Smart

Director of Development

MaryLynn St. Germaine

Manager, Community Programs & Partners

Angie Bystrom

Development Manager

Robert Longtree

Facility Operations Manager

Jana Perry

Family Resource Coordinator

Sheila Baker

Care Center Engagement Coordinator

Jenn Mickelsen

JoyFactory Coordinator
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