It is widely recognized by child development specialists that play is an important and essential component to a child’s development. Play helps children make sense of and relate to the world around them. Play can also be a way to navigate through emotional stress or impactful events occurring in a child’s life.
When a child is hospitalized for an illness or trauma, a disruption occurs in his or her normal activity which can cause fear and/or anxiety. Recognizing the need to care for the whole child, most large pediatric facilities incorporate into their multidisciplinary team, child life specialists. Child life specialists are child development specialists who assist children who are under hospital care, and their families, by facilitating play and other self- expression activities.
According to an article published by Cancer Nursing Practice Magazine, Play in the Community- Quality Care for the Child With Cancer, play can be used as a therapeutic tool when when working with children who are under hospital treatment. The article goes on to discuss play can be incorporated into certain procedures and treatment to reduce stress and anxiety. Preparatory play can be helpful in preparing children for injections, blood tests, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Diversional play can assist in distraction and diversion of the child’s attention during more difficult procedures. Lastly, post procedural play, an opportunity for the child to work through a recent procedure.
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.