January 27, 2025
At the heart of the Jessie Rees Foundation’s mission is a commitment to spreading joy to children fighting cancer. One of the Foundation’s most impactful initiatives is the Mobile JoyFactory, where Courageous Companies engage in team-building activities by stuffing JoyJars as a meaningful way to give back.
For Ryan Weigel, Mobile JoyFactory (MJF) events represent more than volunteer opportunities – they symbolize hope, healing, and connection.
In May 2018, Ryan’s three-year-old daughter, Nora, was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and incurable form of brain cancer—the same type Jessie Rees faced. Despite enduring countless treatments, hospital stays, and clinical trials, Nora met her battle with grace, courage, and an incredible light. She touched everyone with her kindness and love, truly living up to the meaning of her name: “shining light.”
On August 11, 2019, Ryan and his family said goodbye to Nora, but her light continues to shine in everything they do. During her fight, a dear friend introduced them to the Jessie Rees Foundation.
One of Nora’s greatest sources of joy during her journey was receiving Jessie’s JoyJars. Each month, she eagerly awaited her new jar. Ryan fondly recalls the laughter and happiness Nora shared when she discovered her favorite toy, the Whoopie Cushion, in one of her jars—a cherished memory that still warms his heart. These JoyJars were far more than just gifts; they were symbols of love, hope, and connection during an isolating time. Today, Ryan’s family treasures Nora’s collection of JoyJars as reminders of her strength and the joy she brought to those around her.
To honor Nora’s memory, Ryan found meaning in hosting a Mobile JoyFactory. These events bring volunteers together to fill JoyJars with age-appropriate toys and games. Hosting his first Mobile JoyFactory in September—Childhood Cancer Awareness Month—was both emotional and healing for Ryan. Many of the JoyJars from that event were donated to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where Nora received treatment.
At Cal-Mil, where Ryan works, the team has embraced hosting MJFs as part of their corporate culture. As a family-owned company, they deeply value service and community. The MJF events have fostered a sense of unity and purpose among the team. During these events, they’re not just assembling jars; they’re creating vessels of love, hope, and empathy—a powerful reminder of the impact they can have when coming together for a meaningful cause.
The Jessie Rees Foundation’s Mobile JoyFactory offers companies a unique opportunity to give back in a tangible and impactful way. Hosting an MJF fosters teamwork, builds community, and allows participants to be part of something greater than themselves. Most importantly, it spreads joy to children and families who need it most.
If you’re looking to make a difference, consider hosting a MJF. You’ll bring smiles to courageous kids and create lasting memories for your team and community. Together, we can honor Jessie’s mission to Never Ever Give Up and continue spreading light, hope, and joy. Let’s make a difference, one JoyJar at a time.
