Earlier this week, I brought you the story of Jason Yaeger, an inmate at the Federal Prison Camp in Yankton, South Dakota, who has been seeking an early release to a halfway house so that he can be with his daughter, Jayci Yaeger, a 10-year-old girl who is dying of brain cancer at a hospital located less than four hours from the prison. Yesterday, Jayci's Uncle, Ed Yaeger, told Action3news.com that Jayci's health is continuing to decline.
"She's having respiratory problems and continues to have them," Ed Yaeger said. "Last night, they think she had a stroke. One side is colder than the other, and her blood pressure has been low. Her body is trying to shut down."
Despite the fact that Jason has served the bulk of a 5½-year sentence for a methamphetamine conviction, Warden J. D. Whitehead refuses to grant Jason's request for an early release. According to a statement the prison released last week, the case does not meet the criteria of the prison's extraordinary circumstances policy.
In addition to the warden's denial, President George W. Bush has yet to respond to Jason's recent request for clemency. The case is currently in the office of Judge Karen Schreier in Rapid City, South Dakota. According to Jason's family members, Whitehead has until April 7 to issue a response.
Last night, Jayci's family updated her personal Web page (JayciYaegersjourney), at CarePages.com. That entry reads in part:
"Jayci remains nonresponsive but is able to hear her surrounding environment. The hearing is the last sense to go, so it is important to continue to interact in a quiet manner with Jayci and her family. Mother reports no big change in her condition but [that it] is still on a slow decline. Mother says she believes Jayci is comfortable but is concerned that she is waiting for her dad. Vonda, the mother, says Jason, Jayci's father, has not received any further news about being allowed to travel to visit Jayci. Vonda and the rest of the family appreciate all of your prayers, telephone calls, and outpouring of love. She will get the print outs of the Care Pages, and I will try and give as much updates as possible. Many thanks on behalf of the Yaeger Family…."
Earlier this week, a visitor to this blog pointed out that Whitehead is a board member of the United Way & Volunteer Services of Greater Yankton, Inc. After receiving that information, I visited the chapter’s Web site and found there is a listing on the board members page for a "Jim Whitehead, Federal Prison Camp." On that same page, the organization’s mission statement reads in part:
"The mission of the United Way & Volunteer Services of Greater Yankton, Inc. is to promote and implement the philosophy of voluntary giving and services to meet local human needs through a united community effort…."
I find it strange that someone who belongs to an organization that does so much for so many would be so quick to deny a 10-year-old girl’s final wish: to have her father by her side, holding her as she passes from this life to the next.
What You Can Do
Sign the Petition: Help Jayci be with her Dad as she dies, sponsored by Gifted Hands Mended Hearts, Nurses for Compassion.
You can find numbers for Whitehead and other government officials listed at the petition Web site. In addition, you can contact the White House with your concerns.
To help the Yaeger family with medical expenses, send donations to: Jayci Yaeger Fund, c/o Wells Fargo, 1248 "O" Street, Lincoln, NE 68508.