He lost his daughter to childhood cancer. But his love and her legacy are stronger than ever [Video]

“I miss my daughter every day.” 

When he speaks those words, Erik Rees pauses.  He chokes up but gathers himself and continues, “but she’d be super proud.” 

In March 2011, Erik’s 11-year-old daughter Jessie was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. While undergoing grueling treatment, Jessie was empathically thinking of other children stricken with cancer, especially those who could not leave the hospital. Jessie created “Joy Jars”, which she filled with toys and gifts to support children like her, in the fight for their lives against pediatric cancer. 

CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS: HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT A PARENT WHO HAS A CHILD WITH CANCER

Before she passed away on January 5, 2012, Jessie stuffed 3,000 Joy Jars, which she delivered to children in their hospital rooms. 

Jessie’s motto is Never Ever Give Up (NEGU). 

Today, the Jessie Rees Foundation honors her memory and sacred mission by distributing hundreds of thousands of Joy Jars to children all over the world. 

Jessie would indeed be super proud. 

Jessie Rees never …