Today was a joy-filled day for some special kids at Children’s Hospital of Nevada. National Spokesperson for the Jessie Rees Foundation and four time Olympic Medalist, Kaitlin Sandeno, arrived this morning with a special gift for each of the children—a JoyJar sent with love and encouragement from the Jessie Rees Foundation’s Joy Factory.
JoyJars, founded by 12 year old Jessie Rees, are plastic jars filled to the top with age-appropriate, 
hospital-approved toys, games and activities. Inside each of the jars is also a special message from Jessie, her motto during her own fight with cancer–NEGU, Never Ever Give Up. To-date, Jessie’s JoyJars have been sent to an estimated 50,000 kids fighting cancer in over 200 children’s hospitals and 175 Ronald McDonald Houses.
The Jessie Rees Foundation Special Connections are hospital visits with one or more professional athletes bringing JoyJars and a message of encouragement to the children. Additional special gifts are distributed to siblings, nurses and staff. Every visit is a special blessing and honor for all that are involved.
Do you know of a hospital that would like to help us spread Joy to children fighting cancer? Please contact our National Children’s Hospital Coordinator, Cheryl at cheryl@jessie.org. Cheryl will partner with you to help establish the best plan of action to spread hope, joy and love in your community. Once we receive written permission from the hospital, we will ship out a JoyPack that contains 20 JoyJars®…10 for girls and 10 for boys to start. More JoyPacks can be requested by the hospital team as often as needed. The more joy the better!!!
Thank you for visiting us. The Jessie Rees Foundation is a pediatric cancer foundation inspired by 
12 year old Jessie Rees. Jessie was a beautiful, athletic, smart and compassionate girl who fought two brain tumors (DIPG) for ten months and two days. On January 5, 2012 Jessie earned her angel wings. During her courageous fight, Jessie focused on spreading hope, joy and love to other kids fighting. She knew having cancer made you feel lonely and limited so she chose to spread love stuffed in her JoyJars®. JoyJars® have now become a recognized symbol of hope, joy and love in over 200 Children’s Hospitals, 175 Ronald McDonald Houses and 11 countries. Jessie also shared her motto to NEGU (Never Ever Give Up) through her Facebook Fan Page that has over 200,00 fans. This message of hope, strength and perseverance has made its way around the world inspiring both young and old to stay strong and reach for their goals. Jessie’s motto to Never Ever Give Up will always be our message to kids and families across the globe.
To join Jessie in supporting courageous kids fighting cancer, donate for JoyJars.