Jessie Rees Lost The Battle With Cancer But Created A Legacy.
Jessie Rees was a little girl who lost her life to cancer and left behind a legacy.
This is her story as I originally wrote it in 2012 just shortly after the death of this courageous young girl.
Jessie created Joy Jars but she cannot tell us about them.
There will be no interview. There is no recent picture and there is no way for you to reach out to this particular teen, after the feature, should you have questions about Joy Jars.
This is because this month’s teen in the spotlight is, in fact, no longer alive. She died of brain cancer on January 5, 2012. She was only 12 years old.
Jessica, or Jessie as people called her, was born in 1999, on April 8, to a suburban California family. This family was immediately overwhelmed with the love that they had for this little girl, their third child.
Jessie was healthy and beautiful. As most children do, she brought more joy to their lives than they would have thought possible. Especially considering that much of this joy was experienced at a time of their lives that was so deeply filled with sorrow.
Jessie’s childhood was filled with school, family, friends and her time at Saddleback Church where her dad is a pastor.
As an avid swimmer, Jessie had a great attitude and enjoyed quoting the bible.
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me”. Philippians 4:13
and
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.
By all accounts, Jessie lived an ideal life but sadly that was all about to change.
In February of 2011, Jessie started to complain of headaches and she then developed a lazy eye.
An MRI was immediately ordered. Two brain tumors were found.
Regrettably, Jessie had only a 1% chance of living 18 months.
After the initial shock of her prognosis, Jessie wanted to know how she can help others.
She asked, “What can we do for them?”
She was, of course, referring to the kids who do not get to go home, the kids that live at the hospital, the kids that do not have Eva Longoria coming to visit on behalf of Make-A-Wish.
From this question, from a girl who was always thinking of other people even during her darkest hours, a beautiful concept was born. This would be her legacy. The legacy of Joy…the legacy of Joy Jars.
Joy Jars are small gifts that are filled with toys, activities, and love. They started as brown paper bags that Jessie would fill with things that she thought kids in the hospital would enjoy. Eventually, other people came to help and the number of people whose lives Joy Jars touched grew. With this Jessie’s excitement over the project grew.
Over time though Jessie became weak, she felt lost and lonely.
Her face had begun to bloat and she had to wear a face mask. She then decided to turn to Facebook in order to feel more connected. As a consequence, her followers grew from one person to hundreds of people to thousands of people.
Jessie found joy in sharing her thoughts, family occurrences, and love and support for her followers. She was a light in what was a bleak time for many and, in fact, did this while going through her very own bleak time. Her dad, Erik, carried her up the stairs to rest. He would then pray that the next day would be better.
Jessica had a headache on January 4, 2012. Her mom, Stacey, checked on her in the early morning. Jessie would not wake up.
At 11:10 am on January 5, 2012, the 12-year-old was gone.
Her deeply religious parents call it earning her “angel wings.” She leaves behind not only her parents, but also an older sister, Shaya, and an older brother, JT.
To say that a town mourned is an understatement.
Jessica Joy Rees hometown was in shock over the death of this young lady. The elementary school that she attended prepared for mourning children, teachers, and staff. The streets filled with homemade signs wishing Jessica well. There were many promises to keep her Joy Jar legacy alive.
I know this because I was there. Jessie and her older siblings, in fact, went to school with my kids. I met her parents when Shaya and my son were in Kindergarten together. I cannot fathom their pain.
Her memorial service was attended by thousands of people. Thousands more watched online.
Today many people work diligently at the Jessie Rees Foundation. They carry Jessie’s message of hope to Never Ever Give Up (NEGU).
This year the Jessie Rees Foundation is sponsoring a walk supporting Courageous Kids fighting cancer!
Gather your friends and walk in your neighborhood to help spread more JOY this holiday season!
Questions about registration, fundraising or starting a Santa Stroll in your neighborhood? Please email info@jessie.org.
30 thoughts on “Jessie Rees Lost The Battle With Cancer But Created A Legacy.”
This story is both uplifting and heartbreaking – what an amazing young lady she was and thank you for sharing her story Elise
It was hard to share but I think it is so important too.
she was a very brave girl who created something amazing for others. what a great story.
She was very brave, I agree. Thank you.
What a powerful story about a courageous young lady. She sure had a purpose to fill and taught so many about love. Thank you for sharing this to spread a little more of her love around.
You’re welcome. Her legacy continues to spread love and joy.
Beautiful and moving Elise and what an inspiration she was. It’s amazing that her legacy can continue. This is also close to home as my 13 year old daughter’s friend recently passed away through leukemia.
That must have really hit close to home. We are all touched with cancer in one way or another.
Wow, that was pretty emotional to read …and to write I imagine. what an amazing little girl so terrible for that to happen to her and her family but she’s left something wonderful behind.
It was hard to write all those years ago and then again each time I read through it. It is worth it though. The message needs to be spread.
It breaks my heart how sick kids are these days. No family should have to suffer through this. I can’t imagine losing my daughter.
It is truly heartbreaking.
What a touching story. I love her idea of Joy Jars.
Thank you for reading and learning about Joy Jars.
Cancer is such a cruel disease, unfortunately my granddad lost his battle with it too. What an utterly inspiring young lady!
I am sorry for your loss.
I cannot imagine what Jessie’s family has gone through. I love that they, and the community, have chosen to embrace Jessie’s memory by continuing her Joy Jars and foundation. What a beautiful way to remember such a caring and amazing girl. Thanks for sharing this, it’s emotionally tough to read, but you did a beautiful job of presenting Jessie’s story and cause.
Thank you. I am honored to see people reading the information and so pleased to help Joy Jars and NEGU to achieve success.
What a touching story – and very special young lady. One of my sons was born the same year, so her struggle (and that of her parents) really resonates with me. What a loss for everyone involved. Thanks for sharing.
I can certainly understand that. My middle child went through school with Jessie’s older sister and then, as mentioned, Jessie and my daughter went to school together.
As a mother of two I can’t even imagine how hard this must have been. What a strong girl to help others at a time when most would be weak.
It is truly a heartbreaking situation that brought a heartwarming charity.
I am literally having goosebumps as I am reading this story. What a great young lady! She was a light in the darkness even in her darkest moment.
Yes, exactly. This is one reason I wanted to share this.
What a touching story. There is a group that does care packages for people, kids and adults, suffering from cancer in my area. It sounds a lot like the Joy jars. Both wonderful touching ideas.
Yes, it does sound similar. I think that the more groups that do this type of thing the better off we all are.
A beautiful story that can break your heart. In my small town, we had a young boy who was diagnosed with cancer and the whole community came together to help him and his family. I’m happy to say he has survived his cancer scare and we continue to pray for him. I will share this on my FB page.
That would be wonderful. I am so happy for this young boy and for the fact that he is blessed with a beautiful community.
I couldn’t get through this one without a tear! Elise, you got to meet the family, wow, what a special young lady and a special family. I love Jessie’s legacy and we all need to think of what are we creating to leave behind.
I could not write it without the same tears.