Book: Never Ever Give Up – The inspiring story of Jessie and her JoyJars
Author: Erik Rees with Jenna Glatzer
About Jessie:
It started with a simple question: How can we help them? It became an international movement called NEGU: Never Ever Give Up. When Jessica Joy Rees was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at age 11, she chose to focus not on herself but on bringing joy and hope to other children suffering from cancer.
During the ten months she battled cancer, she and her family worked in the “Joy Factory” (originally their garage) making JoyJars®—packages filled with toys, games, and love for other kids with cancer. Jessie first handed them out personally at the hospital where she was being treated, but the effort blossomed quickly and there were soon thousands of JoyJars® being distributed across the United States and to over fifteen countries. Today, more than 100,000 kids have received JoyJars®, and they continue shipping each week to kids in over 200 children’s hospitals and 175 Ronald McDonald Houses.
Jessie lost her battle with cancer in January 2012, but her message lives on in the Jessie Rees Foundation, which has become a beacon of hope for families fighting pediatric cancer.
Join the movement at www.negu.org.
About the Book NEGU:
This book written to chronicle the amazing journey of strength and courage and a fighting spirit when faced with two brain tumors in a short period of time. Jessie a bubbly twelve year old who faced tremendous obstacles, yet she was only thinking of how she could help other children and other people facing the same illnesses or worse. Jessie started JoyJars in an effort to spread a little love and joy to other children with pediatric illnesses. In the book there are countless stories of her family, church and her friends and their faith that helped them through this journey with Jessie. There are funny stories, stories covering her treatments and visits, outpouring of love and faith from her family, friends and church. Jessie was able to travel to remarkable and memorable places and her family was always there by her side with love and support.
Watch a introduction to the book and how Joy Jars was started!
My Thoughts:
I looked at the pictures and I was just overcome with emotion and tears. My heart goes out to this family. I am so sorry for your loss. Jessie is a beautiful young girl and she accomplished some pretty amazing things in her life. I am elated that over 200 people received Christ as a result of Jessie and her life. Awesome! It is always a wonderful thing to remember the good times and hold on to those memories of your loved ones. It was all too real for me, as I just lost my Grandmother to Alzheimer’s Disease and we were at her bedside when she took her last breath. As I was reading through the book, I felt overwhelmed with emotions. This beautiful little girl and she shows so much strength and courage in the midst of her circumstances. I was encouraged by her faith, prayers and strength. I am sure you will enjoy reading this book, tears and all!
For more information about the NEGU Foundation or to request a JoyJar visit NEGU.ORG
Join the movement on Facebook
Follow on Twitter: TeamNEGU
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You can also purchase Never Ever Give Up on Amazon
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review purposes courtesy of the Jessie Rees Foundation and Zondervan. I was not compensated for this review. Any thoughts and opinions expressed were solely my own.
I need to read this book. i hope it’s available in Amazon.
Hi Kathryn,
Yes, the book is very touching and inspiring. It is available in Amazon here is the link