Dying Girl Gets to See Her Father

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Dying Girl Gets to See Her Father

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Lincoln, Neb.
Posted: 11:25 AM Mar 27, 2008
Last Updated: 12:47 PM Mar 27, 2008
Reporter: 10/11 News
Email Address: desk@kolnkgin.com

59 comments

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A girl's dying wish has come true. Jayci Yaeger, 10, got a special visitor Wednesday -- her father Jason.

Jayci's family said she's been fighting for her life to see her father before she dies.

Jayci's father, Jason, is in the Yankton Federal Prison Camp on a drug charge, but he was escorted to the Lincoln hospice where Jayci is staying by two guards Wednesday afternoon around 2:30.

Jason's sister, Lori Yaeger, told 10/11 she thinks Jayci knew her father was in the room because Jayci's breathing became labored.

Her family said her condition continues to deteriorate.

But the trip was cut short, Lori said. After about twenty minutes with his daughter, Jason was forced to leave because an Omaha media outlet showed up at the hospice.

The family said previous visits with Jayci have been two to three hours.

Jason said he's made a promise to his two daughters that he would never make the same mistakes again and he would never leave them.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: J Location: Lincoln on Mar 29, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Prayers and Gods Grace for Jayci. Lets not blame the legal system for doing their job. A man is in prison for crimes he committed. This is a truly a sad story,but if we let everyone do this think of the cost and what about the one the escapes to commit more crimes. Ask yourself, did he sell his drugs to children, perhaps yours. Maybe his actions led to this. I am not saying Jayci was taken to pay for his crime.But those that know a little about the chemicals used to make meth and what they do know what I mean. Rest in peace Jayci.

Posted by: Jeff Location: Lincoln on Mar 28, 2008 at 10:41 AM
I can't believe everyone's reaction to "only 20 minutes" the warden had nothing to do with this short time spent with his daughter, the media from Omaha caused the short visit

Posted by: nikki jamison Location: fairbury on Mar 28, 2008 at 10:03 AM
im glad that Jayci got to see her dad before she passed. I belive she was fighting to stay alive so she could see her father one last time. my prayers are with her mother and father. now little jayci isnt hurting and she is in a better place where she will one day meet her parents again.

Posted by: Sandra Location: Texas on Mar 28, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Precious Jayci is in Heaven now and she is not suffering anymore. She was so young and we did not know of her for very long but she touched so many lives and hearts and she will be remembered from now on. She is in the arms of our Lord and she is finally and peace and happy. We are praying for her mom and dad and her sibling and all the other relatives and friends that the Lord will give them all peace and comfort. God Bless You Sweet Jayci and keep you always in his loving arms.

Posted by: Janet Location: Lansing on Mar 28, 2008 at 07:02 AM
I hope this little angel was conscious enough to know that her father was by her side before she went to heaven. This is such a heart warming and touching story. Now, she can rest in peace and suffer no more. God Bless her family and all of those who made it possible for this situation to become a reality. There are still some good people in the world.

Posted by: me Location: md on Mar 28, 2008 at 06:48 AM
this story is sooo heartbreaking. Im happy that she got her dying wish to see her daddy again..rest in peace sweet one.

Posted by: Shelly Location: NY on Mar 28, 2008 at 06:42 AM
Every choice and decision a person makes affects others. It's unfortunate that Mr Yaegar's choices inhibited his dying daughter's wish to come true. Blaming the prison officials and the law is pathetic. He broke the reviews, he and his family need to live with the consequences. If the family wants to have privacy, then they shouldn't appear on CBS news. This family seems to thrive on a pathetic victim mentality. Get real and get responsible.

Posted by: Are you serious ??!!?? Location: Lincoln on Mar 28, 2008 at 06:14 AM
AMEN !! to Jeremy from California and Donna from Crete. Shame on you, Omaha Media, for taking this special gift away from Jayci. I hope you are satisfied and can live with yourself knowing you cost this family precious time together.

Posted by: William Location: Tennessee on Mar 27, 2008 at 09:39 PM
While her father committed crimes Jacyi was innocent this isnt about punishing her father its punishing Jayci yes herfather made a mistake and hes paying for it but why should Jayci pay for it.

Posted by: m Location: Beatrice on Mar 27, 2008 at 09:23 PM
The media did not ruin this. There would have been no story if the dad would have not committed a crime. It is his fault that he did not have more time. I agree, why did he have to leave instead of the media. We will see if he keeps hos promise to his other kids.

Posted by: Anthony Location: New York on Mar 27, 2008 at 08:07 PM
My heart and prayers go out to the Jayci and her family. This took me one minute to find and obtain from the DOJ. Shame on all of you people who are saying anything about the poor girls father. I have seen furloughs given to petty thieves all the way up to murderers. Everyone makes mistakes in life. Dont start picking on this girls father for his mistakes until the entire prison system abolishes furloughs, which will never haappen. So why not give him one. § 570.32 Justification for furlough. top (a) The authority to approve furloughs in Bureau of Prisons institutions is delegated to the Warden or Acting Warden. This authority may not be further delegated. An inmate may be authorized a furlough: (1) To be present during a crisis in the immediate family, or in other urgent situations

Posted by: Chris Location: Arkansas on Mar 27, 2008 at 08:00 PM
God Bless this little girl Shame on warden Stecher.

Posted by: friend of Jayci Location: Houston, TX on Mar 27, 2008 at 07:58 PM
I don't understand the logic - they drove the father 200 miles (3 hours) for a 20 minutes visit. Is it joke - a real cruel one. Please tell me they are going to let him with her until the end. For people who feel this was enough - pls put yourself in the position and ask how would you feel if God forbid it was your child. There are other drug addicks - who are running the country after being re-born christians. Why can't Jason be reformed and forgiven? Sorry if I offended any body. Life is too short for hate.

Posted by: Stella Location: Central Ne on Mar 27, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Let's all hope and pray that during that precious 20 minutes there was much accomplished. Gratefulness for having this "last chance" to build each others faith by saying I'll see you on the other side - and believe it. Forgiveness granted and accepted to enable growth. Most of all - LOVE to strengthen each of them to let go, accept and carry on. May we all do the same - let go, accept, carry on and utilize the many valuable lessons taught from this situation.

Posted by: Tara Location: Nebraska on Mar 27, 2008 at 06:39 PM
It is my understanding that Mr. Yaeger is in prison for manufacturing drugs. If so, how many young people may have died because of drugs he made to most likely be sold? How many of their parents were able to tell them goodbye? I feel greatly for the little girl and I know she will not be in pain much longer. However, I feel sorriest for her because her daddy should have been there the whole time. I hope he does turn his life around for the sake of his other child. We must not lose sight of the fact he put himself in there by his own actions and bad choices.

Posted by: Jeremy Location: California on Mar 27, 2008 at 05:58 PM
What media outlet RUINED this hard fought for visit? Who RUINED this special momentous visit? Fess up and accept responsibility for your TERRIBLE DECISION. The family has asked to be left to PRIVACY. HONOR that please. Don't rush to "catch the news". Please!!!

Posted by: Donna Location: Crete, NE on Mar 27, 2008 at 05:44 PM
I think the Omaha media should be ashamed of themselves. They cut short and cheated this little girl and her father out of a visit that they have been trying to get for weeks. The media needs to learn to stay away and give people peace in situations such as this. I really hope whoever this media is they realize what they have cost this family.

Posted by: a friend of all Location: Lincoln on Mar 27, 2008 at 04:58 PM
I am confident that someday Jayci will be spending eternity with her father Jason in a place where there will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more sin. I am also certain that according to God's Word we have all sinned - Jason is not the only one. We are all in need of our Savior's speedy return. Jesus Christ died on the cross for us all. We've all done things that are deserving of hell. Jesus Christ rose from the dead. He will be coming back and everyone will see him. For that we can be truly grateful and rest in knowing that God will work out even the Yaeger's situation for His glory and the good of His precious Jayci and Jason who is also precious to Him. He cares for them both and for us all. For that we can be grateful and in it find contentment.

Posted by: Retta Location: wy on Mar 27, 2008 at 04:56 PM
How can the media do such a thing when a dying child's wish was being granted. Is there not major crimes in Omaha ne that they need to cover? What a state.....

Posted by: Lord of All Location: 1 Thes. 5:18 on Mar 27, 2008 at 04:29 PM
In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Posted by: Jax Location: lincoln on Mar 27, 2008 at 04:07 PM
why oh why is anyone suprised by the messed up justice sytem? no one gets treated fair unless the govern gets something out of it! you can have an abortion and go to disney world, but god forbid you did drugs--you go to prison for years!! canda looks better everyday!

Posted by: Jesse Location: Seward on Mar 27, 2008 at 03:53 PM
So the visit was only for 20 minutes. Everyone got what they wanted, now you're just asking for more. 20 minutes is more than I thought he should get. Aside from that, he had been there twice in the last month. If you can't do the time, you shouldn't do the crime. Jason's brother said on TV that he started doing drugs when Jayci got sick, if he wanted to be there, he should have found another way to deal with her illness. Who is paying for all the costs for this? Us as taxpayers, or the family that so badly wanted to see him? I feel for this poor girl and family regarding her illness and never wish anything like that on anyone, but again, if he wanted to be there, he should have thought about that before getting into the drugs.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Nebraska on Mar 27, 2008 at 01:45 PM
That is definitely the problem to the World's problems. The Lord is truly a simple answer.

Posted by: The Lord of All Location: Matt. 5:7 on Mar 27, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Posted by: Sue Location: Adams on Mar 27, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Why is the the short visit the wardens fault....The media should have stayed out of a "dying" wish for a child. Why does the visit have to be media worthy. Let the family have quite time. Its the media that ruined it.....not the warden..

Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 27, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Oh good grief!!! First it's let the father out (after 3 prior trips out), now it's that he doesn't have enough time? No one is going to be happy on this case it seems - the family got what they asked for, so leave it be.

Posted by: Nicci Location: York on Mar 27, 2008 at 12:25 PM
My Friends mom is in prison for drug charges to and she still get 3 day leaves to where ever she wants once a year. All this man gets is 20. Come on people what are we tring to say here?

Posted by: Marilyn Location: Illinois on Mar 27, 2008 at 12:15 PM
This has been a real disgrace. We allow murderers to walk free, but, this little girl couldn't be allowed to see her father because he took drugs???? Please! Lord have mercy on all those disgusting folks that have had a hand in this. Most of the people that have the top positions in this country have done far worse than this man has and yet, they think that's ok. People of this country who are true believers in God, or say they do, what is wrong with everyone?? Has people truly lost their good sense or are they just power FREAKS? I am so grateful that the little girl did get to see her dad, but, it should have been before she got so sick that she couldn't even enjoy the visit. Woe to the men or whoever had a hand in keeping them apart and God bless each and everyone who went out of their way to help them. There is too much violence and filth in our country today because we have allowed so many ignorant people trying to take God out of our system . Put HIM back and prosper!!!!!!

Posted by: wondering Location: Lincoln on Mar 27, 2008 at 12:09 PM
What i'm wondering is this: If someone had to be forced to leave why wasn't it the Omaha media outlet instread of her father?

Posted by: The Lord of All Location: Zech. 7:9 on Mar 27, 2008 at 11:15 AM
True justice means to show mercy & compassion.

Posted by: Let's not forget on Mar 27, 2008 at 10:59 AM
I agree with confused. The man got to see his daughter and that is wonderful!! We do not know all the facts as to why it was only twenty minutes. Maybe there was good reason??? Let's not forget though, that he was in prison because he made a bad decision to get there. He chose to commit the crime and with saying that, he did not think about his little girls future without him in it before he went and committed this crime.

Posted by: Nana25 Location: Carlisle,PA on Mar 27, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Only 20 minutes? Where is the compassion for this little girl? This child is dying, can't her Dad at least be there to help her? If this isn't an "extraordinary circumstance" what is? Her funeral? I think someone higher than the warden needs to intervene. President Bush perhaps?

Posted by: Dana Location: Lincoln on Mar 27, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Though she was not able to see her daddy for long, I am glad that he was able to be there with her. I do not think that it was enough time, but I do think that the Warden is heading in the right direction. I hope that he sees that this child does need her dad. As the mother of a cancer kid, I cannot begin to imagine how Jayci's family feels about any of this. We can only hope that this will benefit JAYCI!! Hopefully, he will be able to be there again for Jayci.

Posted by: Peek-a-boo Location: Lincoln on Mar 27, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Do you really think this was Jayci's wish come true? I think not! She wasn't asking to play peek-a-boo! We are pitiful if we call this justice!

Posted by: amy Location: lincoln on Mar 27, 2008 at 10:21 AM
TALK ABOUT ADDING INSULT TO INJURY. THIS IS LIKE GIVING A SMALL CRUMB OF BREAD TO A STARVING PERSON. THIS ENTRY IS MY PRAYER THAT MERCY WILL SOON TRIUMPH OVER JUDGEMENT!

Posted by: donna Location: petersburg on Mar 27, 2008 at 10:21 AM
at least bush could let him out he let out libby and this is more important he learned his lesson i am sure of that

Posted by: love doll Location: kearney on Mar 27, 2008 at 10:00 AM
this is grate now they should have done this faster for him i hope she can hang in there for a long time and not suffer with pain my god bless your family i really wish there was something they could do for her love from all of us here in kearney

Posted by: sherry Location: beatrice on Mar 27, 2008 at 09:44 AM
im so happy that jaycee's wish came true.she deserved it and now she can go and rest in peace in a place where she will not have to suffer any more.my prayers go to the family and friends.

Posted by: Gary Location: Texas on Mar 27, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Gee Golly warden don't hurt yourself there 20 minutes?? I guess you might hope this will relive some of the pressure, I don't think so. There's to many people that explained what a fpc Federal Prison Camp really is and the rules they have. Here is the link. http://www.bop.gov/inmate_programs/temp_release.jsp

Posted by: michelle Location: david city on Mar 27, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Oh, how generous-20 minutes??? Or sense of "justice" in America is deeply in need of an overhaul!! Murderers get less time than "drug dealers". That baby is DYING- let her do it with her daddy!!

Posted by: Nick Location: York on Mar 27, 2008 at 09:19 AM
seriously only 20 Min. How extraordinary to the circumstances have to be to let a father see his dieing daughter. That poor child. Why can't they just give her a break, and let her have her last wish.

Posted by: Chris Location: Grants, New Mexico on Mar 27, 2008 at 09:05 AM
I am very thankful for the warden's actions, and for the precious 20 minutes that will make a difference for the rest of that little girl's life and her father's. It was the right thing to do. Thank you warden.

Posted by: Jayci's friend Location: houston on Mar 27, 2008 at 08:54 AM
You got to be kidding me...20 minutes?? Like Jason need to go back to the prison to save the world. It talk volumes of our Federal govt.

Posted by: Mike Location: Philadelphia on Mar 27, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Really relieved to read that Jayci able to have time with her father for 20 minutes yesterday. It is not much but hopefully it will help Jayci a lot, and hopefully her father presence makes Jayci stronger until her father can be there all the time. Thank you KOLNKGIN for your update everyday.

Posted by: Your Joking on Mar 27, 2008 at 08:47 AM
I believe the media has played a huge part in getting this young lady's wish to come true, and that is a good thing. Without all of this coverage, it may not have happened. Now, this morning, I hear on the news that his visit was limited to just 20 minutes because of the media on his tail. This makes me sad. They deserve another chance with privacy.

Posted by: Dydalt on Mar 27, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Well Wow!! That is about all I can say! Its about time they let this man see his daughter. I mean if it was the warden's daughter then he would want to see her before she died. Common people!! I mean 20 minutes... you could at least give the man a couple of hours... AT LEAST!! Hope he gets to see her again!! Good Luck Jason! ~Dydalt~

Posted by: Cheri on Mar 27, 2008 at 08:23 AM
They transported him from South Dakota to Lincoln for a 20 min visit with his dying daughter? I'm so glad that she was able to see her Daddy but come on 20 minutes?

Posted by: Shannon Location: Nebraska on Mar 27, 2008 at 08:19 AM
20 minutes? They drove him up there for 20 minutes? Please say that was just the beginning of an extended visit. He needs more time.

Posted by: kris Location: Central City on Mar 27, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Let tha poor man be by his daughters side, he has served most of his sentence. They let more dangerous people out sooner.

Posted by: Barb Location: Lincoln on Mar 27, 2008 at 08:02 AM
I'm glad she got to see her Farther. Just sorry that the medis couldn't leave them alone.

Posted by: confused on Mar 27, 2008 at 08:00 AM
People have been leaving comments begging for him to have time with his daughter. Now it wasn't ENOUGH time. Will you people ever be happy?! Seriously, how about you just thank God that he was granted the time that he was.

Posted by: Susan Manis Location: Pearland TExas on Mar 27, 2008 at 07:56 AM
Sometimes its not what we have done, but what the end result may be. While 20-minutes is not alot of time, in the end Little Jayci got her wish. Thank you Warden Whitehead.

Posted by: T. Location: Lincoln on Mar 27, 2008 at 07:45 AM
I'm so glad that she gets to see her father. A child NEEDS his/her father, no matter what. It's a wonderful blessing to the family.

Posted by: Erica Location: Nebraska on Mar 27, 2008 at 07:17 AM
I am so happy for Jason and Jayci!!! Jayci - I am sorry for your illness, but I hope she may rest in peace now that she got to see her daddy. I am glad that someone finally found it in their heart to allow Jason to see his daughter.

Posted by: Stunned on Mar 27, 2008 at 07:08 AM
20 minutes well bless there hearts you've got to be kiding would it have been so hard to give hime a 24 hour pass at least!!The man has done most of his time! After all they let child rapist out in less time