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The Boy Who Delivered Joy
A rare bone cancer robbed Jarrett Mynear of a normal childhood when he was two years old, but it didn't steal his spirit. This extraordinary boy captivated crowds with his courage, faith, and humor in the face of adversity. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, Jarrett got busy. By delivering thousands of toys to sick children, the pint-sized Santa Claus traveled a path that led to national television appearances, prestigious awards, and a chance meeting with the President of the United States. This is the true story of a little boy's legacy and how, nearly two decades after his death, he continues to inspire small acts of kindness and huge acts of philanthropy.About the AuthorMarvin Bartlett is an Emmy award-winning journalist with 30 years experience. He holds degrees in journalism from Marshall University and Ohio University. Since 1995, the West Virginia native has anchored the news for WDKY-TV, the Fox affiliate in Lexington, Kentucky. He is well-known for producing "The Spirit of the Bluegrass," a weekly segment featuring unique people and places in Kentucky.Book Review 1:“If you’re looking for inspiration, look no further.” -- Kentucky Living MagazineBook Review 2:“Marvin’s words will stay with you long after you finish reading these pages. Discover how you can bring more joy to the world.” -- Jessica Abo, Author, “ How To Be As Happy As You Look On Social Media”
265 pages, Paperback
Published March 25, 2019
3 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 30, 2025
Feeling inspired after this read! I thought I couldn’t love the mission behind DB anymore but then I decided to read this. I’m in awe of Jarrett and how his legacy has carried on and will carry on forever!!
March 25, 2025
I thought with this week being the week before my last DanceBlue Marathon as a student that it would be the perfect time for me to read this book, and I couldn’t have been more right. Just when I think this mission and this story couldn’t inspire me more, it does. Jarrett Mynear’s legacy and story will forever and always live with me. If you read this book, you will not get through it all without crying your eyes out.
March 16, 2022
This is an inspiring book of how an extraordinary young boy copes with cancer. He challenges you to find ways to help others. Having said that, the author misses the mark in really getting the reader to experience the depth of emotions.
April 19, 2022
What an outstanding book that inspires joy and love. It’s focus on serving others, specifically children diagnosed with cancer and their families, is heartwarming and inspirational. The emphasis on hope and connectedness speaks to an even greater need of love and unity throughout the world.
December 1, 2024
I thought I couldn’t love DanceBlue more, then I read this book. Jarrett is truly an inspiration that everyone needs to learn a few lessons from. Even if you don’t know about DanceBlue or who Jarrett is, it’s well worth a read. This book will change your entire outlook on life!
March 15, 2024
as if I couldn’t love DanceBlue more… grateful for the Mynear’s and their gift of sharing Jarrett’s legacy!
January 3, 2025
Heartwarming despite the sadness. Doing good and bringing JOY to others is a phenomenal thing and for such a young boy, it's amazing.
November 29, 2025
Jarrett Mynear’s life and legacy of spreading joy is memorialized in The Boy Who Delivered Joy by Marvin Bartlett. Jarrett was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma when he was just two years old, which began his lifelong battle with cancer. Jarrett was a beacon of happiness and hope for his fellow pediatric patients, their families, and his many medical providers over the years. While continuing to battle various cancers, Jarrett started a “joy cart,” in which he passed out toys to his fellow pediatric patients. This began a tremendous movement that has outlived Jarrett and continues to change lives in the form of DanceBlue. Having been previously involved in DanceBlue, this story hit extremely close to home. Bartlett did a great job relaying his personal knowledge of Jarrett’s life while also tying in stories about his cancer journey along the way.
There were many touching passages in this book about Jarrett’s positive attitude and purity despite the battles he faced, too many to list here. Jarrett’s life was full of pain and suffering in the form of surgeries, amputations, and countless procedures, but was also filled with tremendous fun at summer camps, toy store splurges, and numerous fundraisers. Bartlett was able to capture it all in a very wholesome format. The most touching part of the book comes in Chapter 45, “Joy in the Mourning,” when Jarrett’s health began rapidly declining, and is as follows.
“From time to time, Jarrett mumbled some words that no one could understand, but his last words were loud and clear. Just as it was turning dark outside, and inside that room, the boy turned his head towards his parents and said, “Thank you. I love you.”” - page 219
Jarrett passed at the young age of 13, and he serves as an example of a selfless young man who never allowed his situation to bring himself down. He persevered through countless surgeries and years of treatment, and still wanted to use his time serving other sick children. The quest to help pediatric oncology patients is continued on as part of Jarrett’s final wishes. One of them being “keep the joy cart rolling,” and another “do something to help the clinic.” Jennifer Mynear took this request to heart and eventually started DanceBlue through the University of Kentucky. Since its founding in 2006, DanceBlue has fundraised over $25 million. Marvin Bartlett honored Jarrett and his legacy through this book, and did a great job to promote the Mynear’s mission to help patients across Kentucky.
There were many touching passages in this book about Jarrett’s positive attitude and purity despite the battles he faced, too many to list here. Jarrett’s life was full of pain and suffering in the form of surgeries, amputations, and countless procedures, but was also filled with tremendous fun at summer camps, toy store splurges, and numerous fundraisers. Bartlett was able to capture it all in a very wholesome format. The most touching part of the book comes in Chapter 45, “Joy in the Mourning,” when Jarrett’s health began rapidly declining, and is as follows.
“From time to time, Jarrett mumbled some words that no one could understand, but his last words were loud and clear. Just as it was turning dark outside, and inside that room, the boy turned his head towards his parents and said, “Thank you. I love you.”” - page 219
Jarrett passed at the young age of 13, and he serves as an example of a selfless young man who never allowed his situation to bring himself down. He persevered through countless surgeries and years of treatment, and still wanted to use his time serving other sick children. The quest to help pediatric oncology patients is continued on as part of Jarrett’s final wishes. One of them being “keep the joy cart rolling,” and another “do something to help the clinic.” Jennifer Mynear took this request to heart and eventually started DanceBlue through the University of Kentucky. Since its founding in 2006, DanceBlue has fundraised over $25 million. Marvin Bartlett honored Jarrett and his legacy through this book, and did a great job to promote the Mynear’s mission to help patients across Kentucky.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews