Recently, I was given a copy of the book, Never Ever Give Up by Erik Rees. This story was about a young, teenaged girl who valiantly fought two brain tumors. During her fight with cancer, Jessica, also known as Jessie, finds purpose in her fight and wants to help others.
Through a project Jessie called "Joy Jars," she is able to bring a little bit of joy into the lives of other children struggling with cancer. Jessie enlists the help of not only her family but also her friends as they take time to compile large plastic jars filled with toys and other small items for the children in hospitals all over the country. The Joy Jar project helps Jessie have something to look forward to each day.
The book is written from the viewpoint of Jessie's father, Erik. He is very candid about their family dynamics in the book. He allows readers the opportunity to become instantly involved in the very raw and real emotions they experience during the time of Jessie's diagnosis and progressing illness.
Faith is a key aspect of the book and readers will see that the Rees family believe in God was instrumental in helping them understand and accept the fate of little Jessie. The love and support of their church members helped make a very difficult time bearable.
I think you'll enjoy this book as I did. When I received the book, I had just been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Reading the book gave me hope and I know it will you, too.
