Mobbed by the JoySquad

Amidst everything that was going on in September, I never really had a chance to share an amazing story.

In September, being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Jessie Rees Foundation posted a daily challenge on their Facebook page to inspire, educate and support child cancer warriors. My mom Kathy (to the girls she is "Mimi") went to their website and requested a JoyJar & a t-shirt for Madeleine. She had noticed that there was also a way to "nominate a courageous family"- a child battling cancer and their family for the difficult journey cancer brings to families. Up to 500 children would have their family name placed on a golf ball and at the Foundation Annual Golf Tournament, those 500 golf balls were dropped from a helicopter above the green; whichever ball ended up in the hole was the NEGU Ball Drop Winner. (you can read about the golf tournament fundraiser here.)
What do you know, Madeleine won!
So this afternoon, we had the wonderful pleasure of hugging and meeting face to face Jana & Cheryl from the Jessie Rees Foundation and spending almost two hours sharing our girls and Madeleine's story with them. They mobbed our girls with more toys than ever! It was like Christmas in October!! :) We were smiling ear to ear to see both Madeleine and Annalise so excited and overwhelmed at all the goodies. We feel like they deserve it, and so much more than we could only hope to give them. As the evening has progressed on, both the girls are having so much fun playing with their new toys; Daddy also got a new toy- a new TV! Which of course he set up this evening, and the girls also got a TV in their room for their Disney collection. Blessings all around. Jana & Cheryl brought goodies for Mama too- a mani pedi gift certificate, a paid appointment for a housekeeper! and a great tall NEGU acrylic cup for my iced coffee I will proudly take to Madeleine's radiation treatments to help spread the word about this wonderful foundation.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. -James 1:17

Erik Rees, the foundation's founder in his daughter's name, has inspired Jeff and I since the beginning of this journey. Jessie Joy Rees was a beautiful and inspiring young lady of 12 years who also fought two brain tumors. For 10 months she fought for her life, all the while focusing on how she could help other kids overcome the fear and loneliness of the hospital and cancer. The days leading up to Madeleine's diagnosis, before we knew the pathology of her tumor, we learned about Jessie. I couldn't believe how incredible this little girl was, so beyond her years. Sadly, Jessie earned her angel wings January 5th; it scared me to death that Madeleine might have the same tumor as Jessie. The very next day I distinctly remember asking Dr Davidson before she had a chance to tell us the pathology if it was the same as Jessie's. Ever since, I had felt a special connection to Jessie, and her parents. It has been unbelievable to Jeff and I the motivation and grace they have showed and how the foundation has grown exponentially partially out of their grief. What an amazing angel Jessie has become; I thank God for Madeleine's angel, Jessie.
Please consider this foundation in making your annual charitable donations to inspire child cancer warriors and spreading awareness. www.negu.org