Some very special kids currently in treatment at the University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital received a special message of joy and love from the Jessie Rees Foundation last week. Kaitlin Sandeno, four time Olympic medalist and spokesperson for the Jessie Rees Foundation, arrived to the pediatrics floor of the hospital early Friday morning with jars of toys and games for each of the children. These Jars of Joy (JoyJars) were stuffed, sealed and delivered directly from the Jessie Rees Foundation’s Joy Factory in Southern California.
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 kids were ecstatic! Excitement and joy continued long after Sandeno’s departure as countless kids went on air during their annual radiothon talking about Jessie’s Joy Jars and naming Sandeno’s visit as one of their top favorite experiences at UNM Children’s Hospital--according to hospital volunteers.
Thank you so much to the children, staff and volunteers at the UNM Children’s Hospital for such a fun visit with some incredibly courageous kids. And thank you for allowing us to help to continue to fulfill Jessie’s mission of spreading joy, hope and love to courageous kids.