When Audrey was first diagnosed with pre b-cell all, it was hard for her family to explain to her exactly what it meant to have cancer. It was hard for her to grasp the concept, having barely turned 7 years old and having an autism diagnosis. Now, if you ask her about her illness (and sometimes even when you don’t) she enjoys talking about it, its so much easier for her now to share and educate(in her own way) people around her. She is so strong.
The concept and meaning behind the Jessie Rees Foundation encourages and inspires her, and her entire family. “Receiving the jars and the cards in the mail brings so much joy to Audrey. Especially because they always seem to come at just the right time, on rough and tough days where she really needs that extra dose of encouragement. Audrey was so surprised and excited when she received her jar. She couldn’t believe how many items were able to fit into her jar! Everything in the jar was played with, there was not one thing she didn’t love!”
Her mom says, “Discovering the foundation and the story behind it and the journey/legacy you have chosen to continue, it is amazing. I don’t know, as a parent or even as a family, if we would have the strength, the courage, the willingness, to put together such a wonderful gift to give to other children and their families who are suffering, who have suffered, who will suffer, through this cancer journey. It is really something to aspire to.”
Like so many girls her age, Audrey loves to sing dance, draw, and write short stories. She loves being outside and riding her bike and she loves bunnies, my little pony, and the colors purple and pink! Her mom told us, “I know it is said a lot, and it can sound a bit cliche, but Audrey is the strongest person in our family. When I’m feeling down or feeling defeated, she is always there to remind me and encourage me with her words and her smile. She has worked so hard through her treamtents and tried to handle everything thrown at her with a laugh and a dance(she loves dancing!) She is truly an inspiration to all of us.”
WE NEGU FOR AUDREY!
NEGU for Audrey on Facebook!
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