Seven months into her fight with cancer, 12-year old, Jessie Rees sent a message to her 20,000 supporters and followers, reflecting on the impact her NEGU team and her JoyJars had made in the lives of children fighting cancer.
“We have done so much in 200 days. We have build an international team from over 31 countries, we have raised money for the NEGU Foundation and we have spread hope, love and joy across America. WOW, we have done a lot. I say “WE” because we are a team. I might be the one with cancer, but you are the ones who CARE! You are inspiring me to NEGU too”- Jessie Rees, Founder of the Jessie Rees Foundation.
Jessie’s note to her supporters not only showed her amazing compassionate spirit–but also demonstrated the impact a community can have on the life of child fighting cancer, as Jessie’s community of support had done for her.
Two years later, Jessie’s movement and message has continued to inspire thousands of supporters to stand up and help care for children fighting cancer all over the world. With the amazing support of our donors, volunteers and sponsors, we are so proud to announce that– JESSIE’S JOYJARS HAVE GONE GLOBAL!!
News of Jessie’s JoyJars spread quickly around children’s hospitals in the United States. Within one year, kids in over 200 hospitals received one of Jessie’s special gifts of encouragement. It was only a matter of time before hospitals around the world started making JoyJar requests. To-date, JoyJars have been sent to to hospitals in over 10 countries! Children in Germany, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, Egypt, New Zealand, the Philippines, Ghana, Bangladesh and Malawi are now recipients of Jessie’s JoyJars.
Before Jessie earned her wings in January 2012, she made a wish– a special wish that would impact thousands of kids around the world. Jessie wanted every child fighting cancer to receive a message of encouragement, love and joy. She wanted them to know they were not alone and that they have a community of support behind them–encouraging them to NEGU, Never Ever Give Up.
It won’t be long until Jessie’s wish comes true. It won’t be long until we reach every child fighting cancer. And until there is a cure for childhood cancer, we will Never Ever Give Up supporting our courageous fighters all over the world.