Sometimes success is not about how much money you’ve made.
Sometimes it’s about the legacy you leave behind.
This is the case with Jessica Joy Rees.
We want to thank Yahoo Sports for making us aware of Jessie's story.
Listen to Bill tell Jessie's story
In February 2011, 11-year-old Jessie started complaining of headaches. After things got worse, Jessie went to see the doctor, who ordered an MRI
The news got worse. It was inoperable and incurable. She had a 1% chance to live 18 months.
One day in the spring of 2011, Jessie was getting into the car after a round of chemo and radiation, and she asked her parents why she got to leave the hospital after treatment but other kids didn't. Her dad explained to her about in-patient and out-patient treatment, and that's when Jessie asked a question that her mom and dad say changed their lives.
“What can we do for them?”
Well, Jessie figured out what she could do for them. That same afternoon, she found some paper lunch bags and filled them with toys and trinkets she found around the house and brought the bags to the kids who were in the hospital. They were a hit!
Her parents suggested she use 64 oz. plastic jars instead and call them "Joy Jars," (Joy is Jessie's middle name) Jessie LOVED the idea and a legacy was born.
Sadly, Jessie lost her corageous battle with cancer in January 2012, but before she did, she had filled and distributed 3,000 Joy Jars, and while she's not here with us anymore, her effort lives on.
In 2012 Jessie was one of three 'Young Wonders' honored at the CNN Heroes Tribute.
Jessie's Motto, "Never Ever Give Up", spawned an organization of the same name NEGU, that is almost entirely volunteer staffed. (NEGU is a 501c3 pediatric cancer charity)
To date, NEGU and their "Joy Mobs" has distributed 47,000 Joy Jars to kids in 50 states and 11 countries at more than 125 Children's Hospitals.
It costs about $20 to stuff a Joy Jar, that includes the cost of the jar, the toys, activities and other items stuffed to the brim inside, and shipping. The jars are 100% free to patients and hospitals.
If you would like to help fund Jessie's effort please visit the NEGU organization to donate money, items or to arrange an appointment to help volunteer to stuff Joy Jars for children.
Visit the Jessica Joy Rees website
Visit the Never Ever Give Up Foundation
