Former USC swimming Olympian Kaitlin Sandeno has helped make a dying girl's dream come to life. The girl, 12-year-old Jessie Rees, was lost to brain tumors a year ago this month, but before departing, she sparked a fire that still burns in Sandeno.
Rees could not ease her own pain, but she selflessly thought of ways to make other children's hospital stays more comforting. The idea became JoyJars, little gifts for kids in need of a smile.
Click here for the complete story by Eric Adelson from Yahoo Sports.
Quickly, the jars began to populate hospitals throughout Orange County and the movement gained its own virality on social media. Sandeno, who had been following the story of Rees, a fellow OC swimmer, took the idea to the next level by creating the non-profit NEGU, which stands for "Never Ever Give Up," a favorite saying of Rees.
With Rees having given all she can, Sandeno has sacrificed her coaching career to take on this challenge full-time. She has also enlisted fellow USC swimmers and athletes like Matt Leinart and Carson Palmer to visit patients in the hospital and brighten up days.
Still in its infancy, JoyJars have already reached 11 countries, and, in 2012 alone, 47,000 kids.
Sandeno will be speaking at the Women and Girls In Sport Luncheon for the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table. Click here for the event information.
Rees could not ease her own pain, but she selflessly thought of ways to make other children's hospital stays more comforting. The idea became JoyJars, little gifts for kids in need of a smile.Click here for the complete story by Eric Adelson from Yahoo Sports.
Quickly, the jars began to populate hospitals throughout Orange County and the movement gained its own virality on social media. Sandeno, who had been following the story of Rees, a fellow OC swimmer, took the idea to the next level by creating the non-profit NEGU, which stands for "Never Ever Give Up," a favorite saying of Rees.
With Rees having given all she can, Sandeno has sacrificed her coaching career to take on this challenge full-time. She has also enlisted fellow USC swimmers and athletes like Matt Leinart and Carson Palmer to visit patients in the hospital and brighten up days.
Still in its infancy, JoyJars have already reached 11 countries, and, in 2012 alone, 47,000 kids.
Sandeno will be speaking at the Women and Girls In Sport Luncheon for the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table. Click here for the event information.
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