Jessie Rees Foundation is a global movement of compassionate people and corporations that are driven to fulfill the wish of 12-year-old Jessica Joy Rees, better known as “Jessie”. Jessie was a beautiful, athletic, smart and compassionate girl who fought two brain tumors (DIPG) from March 3, 2011 to January 5, 2012. On that painful day, Jessie left an amazing legacy of love that her family and foundation now continue.

During Jessie’s courageous fight she decided to focus on helping other kids fighting cancer by creating JoyJars®.   JoyJars are 64oz plastic jars stuffed with new toys, games and activities for boys and girls ages 1-18.  Jessie personally stuffed and sent over 3,000 JoyJars.  In addition, she used her motto NEGU® to encourage her peers to Never Ever Give Up.   

After Jessie lost her fight to cancer, she was honored with the Lady Diana and CNN Young Wonder awards.  Her story has been shared by CBS news, People Magazine, Fox News and the Huffington Post. 

Since 2012, over 500,000 JoyJars have been sent to children fighting cancer in all 50 states and over 50 countries.  While we are super thankful to spread so much joy, we can’t stop, because cancer never does. Research shows that every 3 minutes around the world a child is diagnosed with cancer. That child has a name, a family and deserves our support to never ever give up.

Our mission is to...Ensure every kid fighting cancer has the support to Never Ever Give Up by CONNECTING with their family, bringing AWARENESS to their story, providing them helpful RESOURCES and sending them continuous doses of ENCOURAGEMENT throughout their treatment.

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