Jaidyn Rothermel, or Little Bear Cub as her father Douglas called her, was a special three-year-old girl. She had an infectious smile and loved holding "froggies", playing dancing cowgirls and holding as many Minnie Mouses as her little arms could hold. On Sept. 4, 2011, three-year-old Jaidyn died after a tragic accident. A part of Jaidyn lives on through the gift of her kidneys to two women with children of their own. She also gave her corneas and heart valves. Her grandmother Mary said of her gift, "It helped in my grief that she was able to give something out of her little life, it helped me to know what a grand gift she gave."

Jaidyn's Story

Jaidyn Kiara Rothermel was called Little Bear Cub by her father, Douglas Rothermel, who helped with her delivery into this world. She loved holding "froggies", playing dancing cowgirls, and gathering up as many Minnie Mouses as her little arms could carry.

Jaidyn also loved to go camping with her sister Hannah and collect pine cones, which Jaidyn protected as if they were her babies. Hannah recalls that "I would draw whatever she wanted to see her smile. When she smiled, I smiled and loved her little grin. I would love to see her smile because it was so contagious!"

On Sept. 4, 2011, three-year-old Jaidyn died after a tragic accident. "The horror of watching her wheeled off was immeasurable, but we're comforted in knowing that from our loss, she has given life and hope to others," Douglas said.

A part of Jaidyn lives on through the gift of her kidneys to two women with children of their own. She also gave her corneas and heart valves. Her grandmother Mary said of her gift, "It helped in my grief that she was able to give something out of her little life, it helped me to know what a grand gift she gave."

Jaidyn's Aunt Holly also reflected that "People always say how hard it would be to lose a child, but until it actually happens to somebody you know, you have no idea what a devastating impact it has on the lives of everyone around them. Jaidyn was such a sweet, happy little girl, taken from this life too soon. I hope that in this tragedy, there's a family out there that will have the opportunity to watch a loved one transform because of the selfless act of her parents and their amazing daughter, Jaidyn."