Jessie Rees Foundation Brings World Famous JoyFactory to Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach, CA
Long Beach, CA (PRWEB) January 27, 2014 -- Kids love toys and the people that care for them want to make sure they get exactly the toy they want. Founded on caring for courageous kids with cancer, by CNN Young Wonder Jessie Rees, the Jessie Rees Foundation has distributed over 80,000 JoyJars stuffed with toys at the World Famous JoyFactory in Irvine, CA. On a special sunny day in Long Beach CA recently, the courageous kids in oncology care had the opportunity to be among the first to use the specially built Mobile JoyFactory to pick their 15-20 toys.
"Jessie always wanted us to care for kids who were facing cancer like she did," said Erik Rees, the Foundation's Chairman and Jessie's Daddy. "The Mobile JoyFactory lets kids choose the 15-20 colorful toys and fun they want in their JoyJar which is precisely what Jessie always wanted to do."
Joining the Foundation on the afternoon of January 15 to help the kids were Olympic gold and 4 time medalist Kaitlin Sandeno, Cincinnati Reds star Skip Schumaker, and MMA Champion Jake Ellenberger.
Jake Ellenberger summed up everyone's feelings by saying, "This experience has shown me how simply making a little boy or girl smile, can make someone's day and even change their life. Working with the Jessie Rees foundation and see the impact of Jessie's vision is truly unbelievable and a pleasure. These kids have done more for me, than I could ever do for them. I'm greatly blessed to be a part of it."
The visit of the Mobile JoyFactory is the second time the world famous JoyJars have been made by the courageous kids themselves inside hospitals.
"Miller Children's Hospital gives courageous kids with cancer with groundbreaking care and healing – they embody Jessie’s motto, ‘Never Ever Give Up,’ and we are honored that JoyJars will help courageous kids there,” said Erik Rees, Jessie’s Daddy.
Each JoyJar carries 15-20 new, age appropriate, toys within its brightly covered sealed jar for courageous kids with cancer. Jessie started distributing JoyJars herself in 2011 during her fight against inoperable brain cancer. She earned her angel wings in January 2012 and the foundation she started now serves over 260 children’s hospitals and every Ronald McDonald House in America. CNN named Jessie a 'Young Wonder' for her work in December 2012.
“Jessie cared for kids that faced the same struggles she faced by bringing joy to their lives and encouraging them to Never Ever Give Up,” said Erik. “We are blessed to have supporters like Skip Schumaker, Jake Ellenberger, and strategic partners like Anthem Blue Cross, Life Technologies and others that have helped us distribute over 80,000 JoyJars.”
About Jessie Rees Foundation (http://jessie.org)
Founded in 2011 by Jessie Rees and her family during her fight with inoperable brain cancer, the Foundation helps kids Never Ever Give Up in their quest for healing from cancer. Distributing Jessie’s JoyJars © through over 260 children’s hospitals in America and in over 13 countries, and every Ronald McDonald House in the US, the Foundation has provided over 80,000 JoyJars to kids and families through the support of major corporate partners UPS, Life Technologies, Anthem Blue Cross of California and others. The Foundation has provided 100% of the JoyJars at no cost to the hospital or recipients and is completely funded through private donations.
Jeff Gibson, Jessie Rees Foundation, (949) 851-8511, [email protected]
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