Category Archives: General

NEGU Bracelets-Encouragement to Never Ever Give Up

So many of Jessie’s fans and supporters have asked how they can show their support for children fighting cancer and to help encourage them to Never Ever Give Up. For each $5 donation you make to support Jessie’s JoyJars, you will receive a super cool NEGU cancer bracelet that shows the world that you Never Ever Give Up for children fighting cancer. NEGU cancer bracelets come in various colors and designs–all designed for maximum encouragement!

If you are requesting 50 or more NEGU cancer bracelets or wristbands, you will receive a discount of $2 per wristband. (That’s 50 wristbands for a $150 donation!!). Help us encourage all children fighting cancer to Never Ever Give Up!
Order your bracelets now!

Every day, an estimated 46 children will be told they have cancer. Over 50,000 children are fighting cancer in hospitals today. There are approximately 500,000 children affected by childhood cancer. Help us encourage them to Never Ever Give Up!

Jessie’s Story and How She Inspired Thousands to Never Ever Give Up

Jessica (Jessie) Joy Rees is known to thousands as a leader and a spokesperson for childhood cancer awareness and her story has inspired thousands to join together to support children fighting cancer around the world. More importantly, Jessie is a hero to the estimated 500,000 children and their families affected cancer all over the world. In March 2011, Jessie was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), which is a brain tumor within and around the brain stem, making it inoperable. During her 10 month fight with childhood cancer, a time when most people would be looking inward, 12 year old Jessie chose to focus her time and energy helping other kids—courageous children, who felt lonely and limited due to their own fight with cancer–kids who she thought could use a little happiness and Joy.

She was only three weeks into her own difficult treatment, when she asked a question that would forever change the lives of thousands of kids, “How can we help them?”—referring to the other children in treatment at Children’s Hospital Orange County. That same night, while her parents, Erik and Stacey Rees talked privately, she began to create the beginnings of her JoyJars. JoyJars—named after Jessie’s middle name Joy, are plastic jars filled with age appropriate, hospital approved toys, games, and activities, along with a special note and bracelet—with her personal motto and inspirational message to NEGU, Never Ever Give Up.

Jessie and her family received tragic news in September 2011 that there was a second inoperable tumor. Jessie had only a 1% chance of beating this horrific disease. But this did not stop Jessie from continuing to fulfill her dream of encouraging children fighting cancer to Never Ever Give Up. She and her family personally stuffed and delivered over 3,000 JoyJars to kids in children’s hospitals.

Jessie earned her wings on January 5^th, 2012. With more than 9,000 people attending her celebration service and countless more watching online, Jessie’s family knew they must continue her dream. In fact, Jessie’s NEGU spirit is as alive and well, as the Jessie Rees Foundation continues to spread love, hope and joy with JoyJars being sent to all 50 states and 12 other countries, reaching nearly 50,000 kids in over 200 hospitals, 175 Ronald McDonald Houses and over 5,000 individual homes. All of this is 95% volunteer based, privately funded and is at no cost to the recipients or hospitals. Jessie, in 10 short months, has made a major impact on childhood cancer awareness and will continue to do for years to come. She has rallied a community filled with passion and a following filled with purpose–to give selflessly and Never Ever Give Up!

2012 was an amazing year for Jessie’s foundation. Jessie was recently awarded the 2012 CNN Young Wonders Award, given to few select children who have stepped up to change the world. The Jessie Rees Foundation was also awarded the Jimmie Johnson Helmet of Hope Award. Many high profile professional athletes and celebrities join us in delivering JoyJars to kids in hospitals, through the Special Connections Program created by the Jessie Rees Foundation. Schools, clubs and groups all over the country have conducted Joy Drives to collect toys for JoyJars.

Also in 2012, Jessie was awarded the Lady Diana Award, an award that was created by the UK Government in honor of Princess Diana. Princess Diana truly believed that young people had the power to change the world and she wanted to help encourage them so that they would have that chance. This award was created in hopes that it would encourage some special young people to create a better society around the world.

Jessie showed us that children fighting cancer need to feel supported and encouraged. She helped us see that even in the face of devastating news, small acts of kindness and joy can go a long way to help brighten the day for children fighting cancer. Jessie showed us the importance of joining together as a community, a country and a world to fight childhood cancer and to Never Ever Give Up for the kids.

We NEGU for Zach Sobiech

Meet 18 year old Zach Sobiech, courageous fighter and incredibly gifted guitarist and song writer. Zach has been battling osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, since he was diagnosed at age 14. Zach has impacted the lives of so many through his love, life and music. Zach’s emotional song “Clouds” has touched millions of supporters, including celebrities and musicians who created their own rendition of “Clouds” as a way to pay tribute to Zach. In a documentary Zach did with SoulPancake called My Last Days, Zach shares his feelings about being told he is fighting terminal cancer, “My name is Zach Sobiech. I’m 17 years old and I have osteosarcoma. I’ve been told I have a few months to live. But I still have a lot of work to do. I want everyone to know, you don’t have to find out you are dying, to start living”

Zach has been using his time, talent and voice to raise awareness for childhood cancers and research for osteosarcoma. Zach’s goal is to ensure that other kids diagnosed with cancer have a better chance for a cure. Through the Children’s Cancer Research Fund, Zach and his family have launched the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund to help fund groundbreaking research for childhood cancers. In his documentary, Zach says that the best thing about living is being able to help others and says that he wants to be remembered as “the kid who went down fighting and didn’t really lose”. Zach, we Never Ever Give Up for you. If you would like to support Zach and his family, please visit.

Caringbridge:http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/zacharysobiech

Children’s Cancer Research Fund: http://www.childrenscancer.org/zach/

Graduation Gift Ideas- JOYJARS!

Graduation Day is quickly approaching! Are you looking for a meaningful, inspirational gift for your grad? JOYJARS are a great way to send your loved one a special, meaningful gift of encouragement–stuffed with JOY and sent with LOVE. During her 10-month fight with two inoperable brain tumors, 12-year old Jessie Rees founded JOYJARS as a way to help encourage other kids fighting cancer to NEGU- Never Ever Give Up. She knew that cancer could make a child feel lonely and limited, and with her JOYJARS, Jessie was able to put smiles on thousands of little faces.

When you become an official member of the Jessie Rees Foundation’s JOY SQUAD, you receive a thank you gift of 6 colorful and bright Mini JOYJARS that can be stuffed with tons of JOY and LOVE and sent to special people in your life for encouragement, support, holidays or “just because” gifts. And while you are spreading JOY to your loved ones, you are also ensuring that 12 kids fighting cancer receive a JOYJAR from the Jessie Rees Foundation’s Joy Factory!

Here are some fun ideas for stuffing the perfect Graduation JOYJAR!

1- Stuff with his or her favorite candy or chocolates!

2- Bake cookies or brownies with love and package them together in your Graduation JOYJAR.

3- Stuff your Graduation JOYJAR with fun gift certificates, cards or envelopes.

4- If you have a super special gift that you are giving your grad, package it tightly in your Graduation JOYJAR with tissue paper and use it as special JOY FILLED gift packaging.

Become an official member of the Jessie Rees Foundation’s Joy Squad and start spreading JOY today!

Congratulations to the Class of 2013!

12-year old Jessie Rees courageously fought two inoperable brain tumors for 10 months. During her fight, she founded JoyJars as a way to help encourage other courageous kids fighting cancer to NEGU- Never Ever Give up and to let them know that they were supported and loved. JoyJars are plastic-filled jars filled to the rim with hospital-approved toys and are sent to children fighting cancer around the world. To-date, over 50,000 children have received Jessie’s JoyJars.

Currently, 46 children every day are told they have cancer. We lose a child to cancer every 4 hours. There are currently over 250,000 children fighting cancer around the world. All of these children need to be encouraged and to know that they are not alone. Will you join us in encouraging all children fighting cancer to NEGU- Never Ever Give Up?

Learn more about Jessie’s Joy Squad Here!

Compassionate Kids Promoting Childhood Cancer Awareness

Two young girls, members of a local 4-H division, stepped up to the plate to support their peers fighting cancer and to promote childhood cancer awareness in their community. 4-H, a national youth development organization, is dedicated to empowering youth to make a difference in their communities and to be the catalyst for positive change.

Making a difference is just what Jessica and Bryn did! 4-H members participate in what’s called Presentation Day–an opportunity to educate others. Jessica and Bryn chose Jessie’s wish and JoyJars for their presentation. Introducing Jessie and her story to a panel of judges, Jessica and Bryn shared details about Jessie’s Foundation, information about childhood cancers and demonstrated to the group how to fill the perfect JoyJar–filled to the rim with age appropriate, hospital approved toys!

Jessica and Bryn won 1st prize at Presentation Day and will soon be heading to the next level of competition, County! Not only were they awarded for their fantastic presentation, the girls were also approached by other organizations and schools inquiring about presentations for their groups and students. Jessica and Bryn, you are our future of compassionate leaders. Our hats are off to you. Thank you for all that you do to support children fighting cancer.

Courageous Kids Fighting Cancer Perform-You Don’t Know You’re Beautiful

Some special children and teens fighting cancer at John Hopkin Kimmel Cancer Center’s Division of Pediatric Oncology preformed their rendition of One’s Direction’s song, “You Don’t Know Your Beautiful”. Along with their families, nurses and hospital staff, these wonderful kids and teens will win your heart as they take the stage with moves, talent laughter and fun!

We NEGU for courageous kids at John Hopkin Kimmel Care Center and all children fighting cancer!

National Nurses Week!

This week is a special opportunity for us to recognize, honor and thank our wonderful community of nurses. Nurses are so essential to our healthcare system as they provide a special type of care to their patients that no other medical professional does. Working with their patients, doctors, families and other professionals, nurses are often at the heart of a patients treatment and hospital experience. Nurses provide medical services, emotional support, comfort and so much more.

This week, we are so honored to recognize our community of nurses. Thank you for all that you do! WE NEGU FOR YOU!

Jessie Rees Foundation’s 2nd Annual NEGU Gala

The Jessie Rees Foundation’s 2nd Annual NEGU Gala was a beautiful night–a night to shine for courageous kids fighting cancer. Joining us for our special evening were three of our very courageous NEGU kids, Rhys, Cade and Ayden–all who received special recognition and honor for their courage and strength. Also joining us was an amazing representation of our NEGU All Star celebrity and athlete team–Matt Leinhart of the Oakland Raiders, Brendan Porter (Professional Lacrosse), Lenny Krayzelburg (four time Olympic Gold Medalist-Swim), Kaitlin Sandeno (Olympic Gold Medalist-swim and National Spokesperson for the Jessie Rees Foundation) and Jordan Palmer (NFL Quarterback). Over 400 guests and volunteers attended the NEGU Gala to support the over 500,000 children fighting cancer around the world.

The event lineup included an amazing performance by Sharif Iman, and his symbolic song “SHINE” and an unforgettable night of dancing and music compliments of the The Bolts. During the evening, Jessie’s family recognized courageous kids fighting cancer and compassionate kids supporting their peers. Erik Rees made a special note to the Jessie Rees Foundation community of courageous families— ”JoyJars are not the end, but the beginning of a relationship of love, support, and encouragement. We will Care until there’s a Cure”.

Unveiled during the evening were the newly released NEGU Power Packs, available upon request to kids fighting cancer. NEGU Power Packs are all-in-one hospital room or bedroom facelift kits designed to provide children fighting cancer with daily messages of encouragement to Never Ever Give Up (Jessie’s motto during her 10 month fight with cancer). Our first NEGU Power Packs were delivered on the night of the Gala. First, to our courageous fighter Cade. The second was delivered by our primary sponsor and partner UPS to a destination chosen by one of our incredibly compassionate kids who raised enough money to sponsor a Power Pack for a child fighting cancer. The third was taken back to Connecticut by another of our amazing compassionate kids –to be delivered to a courageous child fighting cancer in her hometown. Gala guests were also given the opportunity to sponsor the delivery of a NEGU Power Pack to a child fighting cancer.

The NEGU Gala was dressed with everything special to Jessie– 85 beautifully displayed, themed baskets of silent auction items including destination packages, hotel stays, dining opportunities, spa treatments, sporting event opportunities and so much more. A special area of the auction room displayed “Jessie’s Favorite Things” baskets–filled with all things that Jessie loved most.

During the evening, guests had the opportunity to bid on some special items including a hand painting and masterpiece by Tom Clark, inspired by the event’s theme–Shine For Courageous Kids. Tom created this amazing live art piece right in front of guests-start the finish!

A puppy named “Hope” was also part of the event– a tradition at the annual NEGU Gala in memory of Jessie’s love for puppies.

The 2nd Annual NEGU Gala was sponsored by UPS, Life Technologies, Kenny the Printer, the Orange County Register, Hard Hatt Construction, Inc, DC3 Music Group and Diagnostic Solutions. A BIG thank you to all of our event sponsors, table sponsors, our generous in-kind donors and countless volunteers who worked behind the scenes to ensure the event was a success!

And of course, last but not least, a big thank you to our exceptional core team for their dedication, hard work and countless hours of planning and implementation!

Super Strong NEGU Fighter Grace!

Meet our Super Strong NEGU Fighter Grace! Grace is 9 years old and has been very courageously fighting medulloblastoma since she was 6 years. Grace has undergone 31 radiation treatments, 6 months of high dose chemotherapy and other surgeries resulting from side effects of the tumor.

Grace tells us that NEGU means- to be strong and stay positive. NEGU is a daily message of encouragement for her to Never Ever Give Up.

Grace would like to world to know that “My mommy and daddy named me Grace and they always tell me I am Amazing Grace for how strong I am. I missed almost two years of school, I had to do second grade again, I miss my friends, but I made new friends. I like to play outside when it is not too hot or too cold.”

Grace loves her dog Holly, playing on her ipad, Selena Gomez, playing the WII and XBOX, swimming and coloring. Her favorite colors are purple and yellow.

Grace’s hero is Jaclyn Murphy with the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. Jaclyn had the same brain tumor as Grace. She is now 9 years out and in her first year of college!

If you would like to visit our super strong NEGU Fighter, Grace you can visit her Facebook page: Prayers for Grace

Our NEGU Fighter Dylan!

We are honored to introduce our fans and followers to our super strong NEGU hero Dylan! Dylan is 10 years old and is courageously fighting Ewing’s Sarcoma.

Dylan tells us that NEGU means to him, “that I can’t and won’t Ever Give Up!“. Knowing he is not the only child fighting cancer, he has strength in knowing that WE can beat it and WE have to do everything we can to get other people to fight hard for a cure.

Dylan is undergoing VIDE aggressive chemo for 6 weeks, proton radiation and has undergone 14 rounds of chemotherapy since September of 2012.

Dylan tells us that his family and friends are most important to him. Some of his favorite activities are singing and dancing. Never Say Never, Dylan says, is his song!

Dylan also loves fishing, riding bikes and riding his quad.

Dylan tells us, “Being a kid right now is very hard to do, but I try my best to not let cancer control my childhood. My mom says I am still a kid but fighting a man’s fight and winning”

We asked Dylan about his personal heros. He actually has quite a few–Dylan tells us that every child fighting cancer is his hero “Every child I see who is going through what I am going through and beating it—going through the tough times and still are happy and NEGU like me”-Dylan. He points out that Mark Herzlik, of the NY Giants is a hero of his, as he also fought Ewing’s Sarcoma

Dylan’s favorite color is purple.

Dylan wants you to know that, “I am a normal 10 yr old boy and you don’t need to baby me. If I fall, let ME get back up, cause I will. I want to find a way to do something about curing childhood cancer. I know that it’s going to be hard but we need to because its everywhere, and it’s not fair. Also I’m really no different than a non-sick kid, so what I don’t have hair it will grow back, please don’t think I will give you cancer, I can’t.

I am super strong and I will beat this and will become a marine and fight for our country. I’m scared sometimes, but I have a family who have done so much for me and my brothers and sisters. I would love to help in what Jessie has started she is a INSPIRATION for sure no doubt”.

WE NEGU FOR DYLAN!!!

You can visit Dylan at Dylan Super Strong Purple Warriors Against Ewing Sarcoma

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