My Jessie Journal:: Hi Sweet-Pea. I love & miss you so much. This past couple of weeks has been a challenge for me as I have started to work on your book with my co-writer Jenna. I’m honored to be able to write it but reliving everything has been overwhelming and brings back a flood of emotions and experiences. 2 years ago we had just been smacked in the face with the new you had cancer and I was on my hunt to find a doctor that would give me hope. Never found him but we held on to God and the hope He might cure you with a miracle. As I have looked back on pictures, during those first few days, and I see a healthy kid with an amazing laugh and a heart full of love. The cancer hadn’t started to physically change your body besides your lazy eye. I also started to look back on you very 1st journal entry and Facebook post. Facebook and your journal were such a great outlet for you to share your life and seek support. You had already thought about helping kids out with your JoyJars and started to use your phrase NEGU. You looked at your treatment as a big test set in swimming. Each day was a lap for you and you were determined to win it. I’m glad we have kept your website up so people can go back and read about your journey…your 1st post — www.jessicajoyrees.com/2011/03/my-biggest-test-set. You were also playing that game “Would You Rather” with your Facebook fans. Such great memories.
Now your impact is growing daily globally, nationally and locally at the same time. We sent JoyJars to 5 more countries last week, which is great. The sad part about these countries and the kids don’t get chemo or pain meds. They just fight and most end up with you. They thought of innocent kids fighting cancer without any help just makes my stomach hurt.
Locally you are inspiring many. Just yesterday I was emailing a mommy who was just told her son has DIPG. She is holding on but scared…just like we were. Because of you and your desire to help other kids we are now in a place to respond with love, hope and JoyJars. Mommy and Ms. Jana are going to deliver the JoyJars and NEGU gear to this precious boy today at CHOC. What a honor it is to come along side a family in need to walk with them. It’s the best job ever…especially because they always talk about YOU!!! It does daddy’s heart good=)).
On a national scale, today at 3pm PST your JoyJars will be on the Katie Couric show due to the wonderful organization Lion’s Heart. This great group of teens is being highlighted for their amazing work and they selected to have their segment taped at the JoyFactory while they were stuffing JoyJars. Amazing!!!
Miss you tons, love you more and will see you in a wink.
xoxo,
Daddy