Jessica Joy Rees, 12-Year-Old Girl, Who Blogged Her Cancer Fight Has Died

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif. -- A Southern California girl who became a nationally recognized face of child cancer with a blog that chronicled her fight against brain tumors has died. Jessica Joy Rees was 12 years old.

Jessica's family announced her death on her Facebook page, stating that her 10-month battle with brain cancer ended Thursday. Tens of thousands of people responded by posting updates to the page in a show of support that includes "likes" and prayers.

By Friday afternoon the outpouring surpassed Jessica's goal to get one "like" for each of the estimated 50,000 American children with cancer.

The Orange County seventh-grader, called "Jessie" by family and friends, began her blog and Facebook page after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in March. A second tumor was discovered in September.

While some of her posts discussed her struggles as she underwent radiation and chemotherapy treatments, others urged readers in dozens of countries to support pediatric cancer research and to pray for other children with the illness.

She always signed her posts with the acronym "NEGU" (NEE'-goo), short for "never ever give up."

Also, she and her parents started The NEGU Foundation, a nonprofit organization to raise awareness of pediatric cancer, support sufferers and raise money for research.

The foundation sold and provided thousands of "JoyJars" stuffed with candy and toys to sick children. More than 3,000 were sold and distributed in 27 states last year, according to the NEGU website.

Co-host Ryan Seacrest also allowed her to announce country singer, and eventual winner, Scott McCreery.

Jessica wrote on Facebook that her mission was "to encourage kids fighting cancer to Never Ever Give Up by spreading hope, joy and love. A cheerful heart is great medicine."

A celebration service was scheduled for Wednesday at the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, where her father, Erik Rees, is a pastor.

___

Comments

[whycantwejustallgetalong]

05:00 PM on 06/21/2012

I've been reading her blog...what a selfless, loving girl she was. Even when she was battling her own disease, she was still concerned about others. In fact, most of her entries focused on how to bring joy to others, rather than how much pain she must have been in. I believe that NEGU doesn't just apply to cancer patients...it can apply to everyone. We all need strength at one time or another.

[itsjules]

11:15 PM on 02/03/2012

What an amazing girl. To be going through what she was, and to STILL be thinking of others, encouraging and supporting them, and then leaving a lasting legacy in the form of her foundation, I'm so touched and saddened.

Very sincere condolences to all her family and friends. I know their lives have been immeasurably enriched by her presence and immeasurably depleted by her passing. RIP Amazing Jessica.

[Artie]

05:39 PM on 01/20/2012

Very sad, especially for one so young.

[Jeanette Bernabe]

05:37 PM on 01/20/2012

It’s good now that she won’t be suffering anymore and to give more hope through small children through her spirit. Hopefully all these children will fight their illness, and hope that people will come together and help those in need. May god rest her soul.

[mugsbugs]

03:37 PM on 01/20/2012

rest in peace beautiful girl.

[onyota1]

12:54 PM on 01/20/2012

May her Spirit fly high with the birds , She is now in the arms of our creator , God bless her

[robertvanralph]

10:56 AM on 01/20/2012

A very touching story. She was truely a beautiful person.

[jerrykritzman]

01:17 PM on 01/14/2012

Jessica was a truly brave child who inspired so many. May she be in peace.

[dawall]

09:56 PM on 01/12/2012

What can I say. Its so tragic and sad that a little light has faded in this way. God bless Jessica.

[Clarissa Ruthless]

01:03 PM on 01/11/2012

This is so sad...what a sweet little girl.

[adel2012]

10:36 PM on 01/10/2012

RIP sweet angel.

[sourpatch575]

02:08 PM on 01/09/2012

RIP Sweet Angel.

[katieandtom]

09:00 AM on 01/09/2012

what a sweet sweet young lady. my heart hurts for her family, but they should be so proud.

[sbmulqueen]

08:54 PM on 01/08/2012

If you can't tell by my avatar, pediatric cancer is a cause that's near and dear to me. The fact that every day 46 kids are diagnosed and that pediatric cancer claims the lives of more children annually than any other disease – more than asthma, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis & AIDS combined - is daunting. And the fact that virtually no money is directed to research is borderline criminal. Bless this sweet angel and her family for bringing much needed awareness while still fighting on.

[teacher2be33]

07:37 PM on 01/08/2012

RIP Jessie......you are with the angels now!