Family Learns Powerful Lessons from 12-Year-Old

Fox News reporter reflects on inspiring experience with Jessie Rees Foundation

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Fox News reporter Daniel Hoffman recounts spending an afternoon with his colleague John Roberts and volunteers from the Jessie Rees Foundation at a basketball court in Tysons Corner, Virginia. There, they learned powerful lessons about inner strength and resilience from a 12-year-old participant.

Why it matters

The story highlights how even the youngest members of our communities can teach valuable life lessons, especially around topics of mental health, perseverance, and finding strength in the face of adversity.

The details

Hoffman describes how the Jessie Rees Foundation, a non-profit that supports children with cancer, led a group of about 100 volunteers in activities on the basketball court. It was there that Hoffman and Roberts interacted with a 12-year-old participant, learning from their wisdom and determination.

  • The event took place on a Saturday afternoon earlier this month.

The players

Daniel Hoffman

A Fox News reporter who attended the event.

John Roberts

A Fox News colleague of Hoffman's who also attended the event.

Jessie Rees Foundation

A non-profit organization that supports children with cancer and led the volunteer activities at the event.

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What they’re saying

“On a Saturday afternoon earlier this month, I had the privilege of spending quality time with my friend and Fox News colleague John Roberts in the most unlikely of places: the basketball court at the Onelife Fitness in Tysons Corner, Virginia.”

— Daniel Hoffman, Fox News reporter (wn.com)

The takeaway

This story serves as a powerful reminder that we can learn invaluable lessons about resilience, inner strength, and perseverance from the youngest members of our communities, even in the most unexpected of places.