Obituaries
Girl Who Started 'Joy Jars' to Fight Pediatric Cancer Dies at 12
Jessica Joy "Jessie" Rees fought two brain tumors. The 12-year-old inspired a foundation to encourage children like her facing deadly diseases.
Twelve-year-old Jessica Joy Rees has died after a 10-month struggle with two brain tumors. Rees, a Rancho Santa Margarita resident, swam for the Mission Viejo Nadadores, and her father is a pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest.
After an MRI revealed an inoperable brain tumor March 3, 2011, "Jessie" Rees began encouraging other kids with cancer. She inspired a foundation called NEGU—"Never Ever Give Up."
On her Facebook page, Jessie explained her philosophy.
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"My mission is to encourage kids fighting cancer to Never Ever Give Up by spreading hope, joy and love," she wrote. "A cheerful heart is great medicine."
Donors to NEGU received JoyJars, as is explained in the attached YouTube video.
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After six months of chemotherapy, the tumor was reduced by half. But on Sept. 15, another brain scan revealed a second tumor.
"PLEASE pray for me," Jessie wrote on her Web site.
Messages of support for Jessie's family are popping up on a Facebook support page in her name.
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