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Aidan Bailey aka Mr. Smiley Memorial Endowment
At a Glance
- The Aidan Bailey aka Mr. Smiley Memorial Endowment supports projects and programs that bring joy and a smile to the community. Aidan wanted to change the world one "stitch" at a time. This fund will continue to support his mission, one smile at a time.
About Us
On June 18, 2025, the world lost a truly special person. Aidan Bailey passed away, leaving behind a legacy of strength and joy. He lived a powerful life, and everyone who was lucky enough to know him was touched by his uplifting spirit and contagious smile.
Aidan Bailey was a true inspiration, living a life of remarkable strength and resilience. Born with complex medical needs, he faced countless challenges, including multiple surgeries and two lung transplants. Yet, through it all, his spirit never faltered. He greeted every day with a joyful smile, which earned him the beloved nickname "Mr. Smiley."
A proud resident of Edgewood, Iowa, Aidan had a curious mind and a passion for learning. He was fascinated by the weather, vacuums, and everything from electrical work to auto mechanics and plumbing. His kind heart and dedication to his community were evident in his role as an honorary member of the Edgewood Ambulance team.
In his spare time, Aidan channeled his creativity into his business, "Mr. Smiley's Creations," where he loved to sew. He found immense joy in using his earnings to give back to others and support the communities he held dear.
In 2025, a memorial fund was created to honor Aidan's legacy and to continue his mission of spreading joy and making people smile.
Mission
Today is a good day to make someone smile! -Aidan Bailey
Basic Information
Phone
563-588-2700Address
700 Locust St., Ste. 195 Dubuque, IA 52001Director
Amanda Diers - FFDC
Director Email
ffdc@dbqfoundation.orgSuccess Story
A note from Aidan: Hello, Mr. Smiley here! I am available to help you in any way I can to make smiles! Whether it is to make you smile or to help you in making someone else smile! It is my mission to make the world a nicer, kinder place! I love to give to people and when you support me, I assure you it will help me to help others. Life is not always easy, but together we can make a difference!
I was born with no palette, no top lip, one nostril and one eye. Not a big deal, till lung issues started happening. As a little guy, I was trached and 24/7 oxygen dependent. I had a feeding tube and could not speak. I spent most of my early years living in hospitals in Iowa, Cincinnati, and St Louis. My Grandma and Papa (Terry and Lori Gearhart) have raised me. On October 18, 2009, I was blessed with the most precious gift, a double lung transplant. I went to virtual school from my hometown school while Grandma and I lived in St Louis for nearly a year. I also had more surgery on my palette. I was able to start learning to speak! I also was allowed to try eating by mouth. Life was still tough. My transplant had to be performed in an unusual manner. I stopped breathing at home in July, the summer before Second Grade. I was medical jetted to St. Louis. Grandma and I lived in the St. Louis hospital, where I fought hard every day along with my medical team. In late November, they retransplanted my precious, tired lungs. Many more days and months of fighting were needed, but i finally came home to Edgewood, Iowa again.
Life is not always easy. Many, many people have struggles. I am nothing special. I just want to make everyone feel they are the best and make them smile. I have learned to sew with the help of two patient and kind teachers. I keep challenging myself and love to learn new things. My creations are unique and I promise top quality.
Please help me change the world. I truly think together we can do it. Together we can make a difference! Always remember, "Today is a good day to make someone smile!" Thank you kindly for considering supporting me and my causes.
With love,
Mr. Smiley
Fund Details
Fund Name
Aidan Bailey aka Mr. Smiley Memorial Endowment
Year Founded
2025
Type of Fund
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Aidan Bailey aka Mr. Smiley Memorial Endowment