The Jessie Rees Foundation is continuously spreading joy, and we are always grateful when that joy can be received by a Courageous Kid and their family.
Mateo, also known as “ta-ta”, made his first stop at the Jessie Rees Foundation during his exciting NEGU Adventure. Three-year old Mateo from Arroyo Grande, CA was joined by his mother, father, grandparents, two brothers, and a close family friend. When Mateo’s family arrived at the JoyFactory they were decked out in NEGU gear! The JRF staff and Mateo’s family began their visit by stuffing personalized birthday JoyJars for other Courageous Kids and Mateo even got to stuff his own JoyJar.
During lunch, Mateo’s incredible, strong, and loving mother spoke of September 23, 2013, the day Mateo was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara. Each courageous family has such remarkable stories and Mateo’s story impacted our entire staff and NEGU Nation. While at the JoyFactory Mateo took part in hide-n-seek with his older brother Diego, loved creating Playdoh desserts for everyone, and ran down the halls with his NEGU superhero cape.
Mateo and his brothers were told about their NEGU Adventure this past Christmas, so they have been looking forward to this trip for months. During their NEGU Adventure Mateo’s family enjoyed four night at the Newport Beach Marriott, Legoland, Legoland Waterpark, and a magical day at Disneyland! As we all said our farewells, Mateo presented our staff with Team Mateo wristbands and gear! It was a great afternoon connecting the Ree’s family, the JRF staff, and this beautiful Courageous family! Throughout the entire visit Mateo’s family expressed their thanks to the Jessie Rees Foundation and NEGU Nation for all of their support and prayers, and we thank them for spreading NEGU to everyone that is impacted by Mateo’s journey.
If you would like to continue to follow Mateo’s Journey please like his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TeamMateoBeast?fref=ts
