PHOENIX — A stay in the hospital when you're a kid and battling cancer is no fun. NASCAR driver Corey LaJoie, who is in town for NASCAR weekend at the Phoenix Raceway, wanted to spread some joy at Phoenix Children's Hospital by visiting cancer patients and handing out JoyJars.
NASCAR driver Corey LaJoie visits with kids at Phoenix Children's Hospital
JoyJars are filled with hospital-approved toys for children battling cancer and were started by Jessie Rees. Rees was a courageous and compassionate 11-year-old girl who, through her own battles with brain cancer, realized thousands of children with cancer couldn't leave the hospital. She created JoyJars and visited kids in the hospital to distribute them and encourage them with her motto of "never, ever give up."
Rees died in 2012, but her legacy lives on through people like LaJoie, who will even be driving a car painted in her honor during his race this Sunday.
Up to speed
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.