BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) – Two young people from Bakersfield are among 72 who will be honored on the 2015 Donate Life Rose Parade float.
Jaidyn Kiara Rothermel died in 2011 at age 3 after falling into a swimming pool.
Philip Dhanens died in 2012 at age 18 in a fraternity hazing incident at Fresno State University.
Both donated their organs and other tissues, and they will be honored with floragraphs made of various seeds and spices on a float during the 126th Rose Parade, Jan. 1 from Pasadena.
Jaidyn’s father, Doug Rothermel, said his daughter’s kidneys helped two women. Jaidyn’s corneas and heart valves also went on to help some in need.
Rothermel said the family takes a measure of comfort in knowing their “Bear Cub” helped others with “life and hope.”
“This is very difficult, as you can imagine. There is the unending grief mixed with her gift of giving life and hope to others through donating her organs and tissue,” Jaidyn’s father said via email.
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