A young cancer survivor named Lil Jesse Gutierrez with an inspiring story is helping spread Christmas cheer to other children at the Houston Hospital where he was treated. Lil Jesse’s Family was the winner of the #PlanetFordWhisperer contest from Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble, Texas. The grand prize was a Ford F-150. It’s a big red truck, ready for a big-sized delivery.
Lil Jesse wants to help bring joy and hope to other children who are spending their time in the hospital during the holiday season. He’s called on the help of The Ford Whisperer Randall Reed and Planet Ford. Lil Jesse battled non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer and won. He’s been in remission for more than two years. He is a true inspiration for cancer patients. The 10-year-old performs as a rapper at venues across Texas, and his ultimate dream after winning the Ford F-150 was to deliver toys to young patients battling cancer at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
Planet Ford and Houston Humanitarian Award recipient Mythiquer Pickett have teamed up with Lil Jesse for the special toy drive. They want to do all they can to try and brighten the lives of young patients who are currently battling cancer and undergoing treatment during the holiday season. Pickett says, “Contagious positivity is spreading love, hope, joy and compassion into the lives of people, creating an environment where parents never have to say sorry.” Pickett’s charity is We See Abilities. He gives those with special needs a better quality of life through the joy of sports and community activities.
The public is invited to help by dropping off new unopened toys, now through December 8th at both locations off Hwy 59 in Humble (19000 Eastex Frwy., Humble, TX 77338) and off I-45 in Spring ( 20403 Interstate Hwy 45, Spring, TX 77388). Then, Lil Jesse and Pickett will load up the back of the F-150 with toys and goodies for delivery December 10th.
The Community Coming Together
The Reed Family and Planet Ford are thankful to members of our community and businesses who are contributing to this wonderful cause. Miss USA 2008, Crystle Stewart, President & Director Miss Houston Pageant and her team will be helping with the toy drive. The TV host and actress has starred in Tyler Perry’s “For Better or Worse.” Ms. Stewart is bringing her crown and sash to try on and take photos in during the event. Miss Houston 2018, Lesha Wincher, will also be dressed for the occasion with her crown and sash for photos to be taken with the children.
Other companies like Adidas will be providing shoes for the kids to kick that cancer out! The shoes will get them moving and assist with rehab therapy. State Farm Insurance is donating backpacks stuffed with a teddy bear. Microsoft Corporation is donating a game console to the pediatric floor, and Benchmark Bank will provide piggy banks for the kids to save for their bright future ahead of them when they leave the hospital. Plus, The Liquor Cabinet in Kingwood is making a monetary donation.
To top it off, local Houston rapper Lil’ Flip will escort Lil Jesse to deliver all the toys collected at both Ford dealerships to about 45 pediatric cancer patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Planet Ford in Humble’s General Manager John Centner says, “We are all inspired and proud to be a part of this incredible mission. The passion that Lil Jesse brings in all that he does is a beautiful thing to watch. His love and desire to bring happiness to those suffering is something we all should aspire to.”
You can help The Ford Whisperer and Jesse make a difference this Christmas with their toy drive and your new unwrapped toy donation, now through Saturday, December 8, 2018!
The Reed family believes it’s crucial to give back to the communities in which they work and live. Growing up in an economically challenged home, Mr. Reed knows how important it is for businesses to extend opportunities to area families and the area youth in order to preserve and strengthen local communities. Each Reed family dealership sponsors and participates in local events, various school fundraisers and supports a variety of programs for children and families. “When we all give a little, we can help a lot for both the future of our kids and our community,” said Mr. Reed.
