Scout Troops can now partner with Jessie’s mission by raising awareness and fundraising to send more JoyJars to kids fighting cancer. Many troops have inspired us with their compassion to help us care for these kids and their families.
Girl Scout Troops from all over the world (even one from Puerto Rico) have voiced interest in helping kids fighting cancer. We have since developed an incredible program that gets young girls involved in advocacy for childhood cancer and getting out more JoyJars! After a troop participates in Compassion Change, Courageous Cupcakes or hosting a JoyDrive, troops qualify for our brand new Scouts JoyJars Patch. This patch has created a great momentum of getting young girls involved in Jessie’s mission.
Troop 802, from Los Alamitos, California, took it upon themselves to make an impact. With a close tie to a fellow scout who is a courageous kid, the troop chose the month of September (pediatric cancer awareness month) to raise money for more JoyJars. Ava Rich is a courageous kid who received a JoyJar while she was fighting this terrible disease. The Jessie Rees Foundation came in touch with her last year before our 2014 NEGU Gala. Ava was honored as one of our Courageous Kids of the Year and was encouraged by all those who attended to Never Ever Give Up! Since that time, Ava is clear of treatment and does not have to spend most of her days in the hospital; she gets to be a normal kid again. She got back together with her Girl Scout Troop and has had a blast participating in activities with them. The troop chose to host a Courageous Cupcake stand in Ava’s honor and raised $2000. Their fundraising efforts will now send 100 JoyJars to kids fighting cancer!
In speaking with Ava Rich’s mother about her interaction with the Jessie Rees Foundation:
“I just want to thank you all for changing our lives. You have all really changed our family’s life.” – Gina Rich
Hearing something like that reminds us that Jessie’s wish is really helping and it is working. We know Jessie is smiling hearing that her JoyJars are bringing kids smiles and helping families NEGU. We are reminded to keep going every single day because we know we have to continue what Jessie started. NEGU Nation, and groups like Troop 802 are assisting us in honoring Jessie’s wish.
Thank you Troop 802 for all that you have done to help kids fighting cancer, especially your troop mate, Ava. And to Ava – Never Ever Give Up!