I must have been in a cave for the past two years or so because I had never heard of Jessie Rees, DIPG or Joy Jars until I read this book. I am certainly glad I know about them now. Though the book is a difficult read because of the subject matter, an 11yr old girl being diagnosed with a rare, incurable brain cancer, it is worth the time. It is a story of a family struggling with a serious disease with all the pain and questions that brings. I appreciate the honesty of Eric Rees, the father, as he yells out his lament to the God who seemingly has abandoned them. (As a father I probably would have kept the prognosis from my child as he did. But as a chaplain I think knowing that death is imminent is important.) However this is not just the anatomy of an illness it is as also the story of a young girl with a heart for other kids who are hurting. From the time Jessie began treatment she asked what could be done for other kids with cancer. This led to the creation of JoyJars that could be given to children in the hospital. Her goal of 50,000 jars distributed was reached after her death. This is also a story of a supportive community, a church community and the larger community. The reader also gets an unflattering look at the state of medical research and the sad statistics reveal that not enough is being done in the area of pediatric cancer. Unfortunately one of the reasons for the paucity of research is there is not much money in it. I certainly have no answer to the why question but I have to say Jessie's cancer and death have had many positive outcomes. I have two minor points of concern. At one point Eric Rees says that Jessie's death was God's will. It would require more space than I have to explain why I disagree with that phrase. Suffice it to say that God allowed rather than willed her death. Also on page 198 in the Rees' family letter announcing Jessie's death we read that Jessie earned her wings. I know people often say this but there is no indication that humans get wings at death. Minor points aside this book can change life for kids with cancer and may change the face of research. I received a copy of this book for review from Handlebar Publishing. For more on the book and Joyjars #NEGUbook