NEGU. Short for Never Ever Give Up. Pronounced “knee-goo”. That is the message shared by Jessica “Jessie” Rees.

In Never Ever Give Up: The Inspiring Story of Jessie and her JoyJars, Erik Rees shares his daughter’s story: her diagnosis with an inoperable brain tumor, her fight against it and her choice not to focus on herself, but to help other kids with cancer.

When Jessie was diagnosed with a cancer called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), lives were changed, but not in ways one might think. Jessie began to visit hospitals on a daily basis for tests and treatments. One day, she noticed kids in the hospital that didn’t get to go home every day like she did. There was one simple question asked on the car ride home, “How can we help them?”.

That same day, Jessie created her first JoyJar®, a package stuffed to the brim with toys, treats and love. Now, JoyJars® are an international movement. As of today, more than 100,000 kids have received her JoyJars® across the globe.

During Jessie’s courageous fight, the NEGU Foundation, renamed the Jessie Rees Foundation, was established with the motto to help children never ever give up. Jessie was able to deliver JoyJars® to kids in hospitals when she could.

The story takes you through every personal and vulnerable moment experienced by Erik Rees, his wife Stacey, their children, Shaya, a current senior at SMCHS, Jessie and JT, and the rest of their extended family and friends.

Erik’s narration shares memories that touch on every tragic layer of human life. He shares the decisions they made as a family and their personal struggles, including the disappointing moments when their prayers weren’t answered in the way they hoped. Erik shares a testimony about God and His plan for each of us, although sometimes we don’t understand it.

Jessie, through her words and her father’s, challenges everyone to make a difference and spread kindness. The tender words elicit a great deal of emotion. Jessie’s determination reveals the simplicity of a child’s loving heart and strong faith.

This is not a book about cancer. Nor is it a book about mourning and grief. It is a story about one captivating young girl with a moving message.

Jessie lost her battle with cancer on January 5, 2012. About 9,000 people attended her celebration of life at Saddleback Church, in Lake Forest, Calif. Her smile, her compassion and her message live on through the Jessie Rees Foundation.

The book can be purchased at Barnes and Noble or on Amazon. To get involved with the Jessie Rees Foundation, visit their website at www.negu.org.