NFL Star, Olympians, Pro Athletes Join Jessie Rees Foundation to Care for Kids at UCI Medical Center
Orange, CA (PRWEB) July 27, 2013 -- A coalition of professional and star amateur athletes carried the message of 'Never Ever Give Up' to the kids facing life threatening illness at UCI Medical Center on the afternoon of July 18.
"Courageous kids facing cancer often feel lonely and limited," said Erik Rees, Jessie Rees Foundation CEO and Jessie's Daddy. "Having athletic heroes care for you and bring you toys helps overcome the limits and break down the loneliness."
The visit will also mark the twelfth hospital on the Never Ever Give Up for Kids statewide tour that includes JoyJar toy deliveries to all 14 children's' hospitals in California along with visits to Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the state.
"UCI Medical Center 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.
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 passed
away in January of 2012 and the foundation she started now serves 202 children’s hospitals and every Ronald McDonald House in America. CNN named Jessie a 'Little 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 Kyle Negrete, Elyse Hopner-Hibbs, Brendan Porter and strategic partners like Anthem Blue Cross that have helped us distribute over 54,000 JoyJars.”
PARTICIPANT BACKGROUND
About UC Irvine Medical Center http://ucirvinehealth.org
UC Irvine Medical Center is rated among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and ranked No. 1 in Orange County, California. It is home to the county's only Level I trauma center, its only nationally designated comprehensive cancer center and a modern acute care hospital.
The medical center also provides ambulatory, rehabilitation and mental health services, as well as the full spectrum of specialty care. It is the primary teaching location for the UC Irvine School of Medicine.
Jessie Rees Foundation http://ow.ly/nmXWk
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 202 children’s hospitals, and every Ronald McDonald House in the US, the Foundation has provided 54,000 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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