Passages: Mission Viejo’s Jessica Joy Rees, 12

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, California, January 11. JESSICA Joy Rees, a 12-year-old Rancho Santa Margarita girl who swam for the Mission Viejo Nadadores, passed away this weekend from a brain tumor first diagnosed in March, according to a variety of media including the OC Register.

Rees, who worked to raise awareness for pediatric cancer via a blog and her Facebook page, inspired many around her, including her Mission Viejo Nadadores teammates with the motto to Never Ever Give Up (NEGU). Teammate Chloe Sutton sometimes wore a NEGU cap in honor of Rees during some of her races.

Rees' family posted news of her death on her Facebook page:

"Dear friends … we have prayed and prayed and prayed for sweet Jessie to be healed here on earth but God's plan was to use heaven for healing. Jessie earned her wings today and is with Jesus now!!! No pain … complete vision … spreading joy. Please pray for our family as we walk out of the valley of death and towards the mountain top. We will let everyone know of her celebration service as arrangements are made. Please join us in carrying on her joyful spirit and Never Ever Give Up attitude."

Rees gained mainstream attention after attending a broadcast of American Idol. She was seen holding signs in support of her favorite contestant Casey Abrams, and even had the chance to introduce another contestant Scott McCreery.

The OC Register reported that "the public is invited to a community celebration of Jessica's life at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Worship Center at Saddleback Church, 1 Saddleback Parkway, Lake Forest."

Full text of OC Register article.

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