This is the story of Kimmy Young from Oxford, Ohio. One of John Beohner's constituents. She died because she did not have health care. Read her story. Tell me that is world is not missing someone with the potential to be great. Tell me she won't be missed.
I've written this before and lost it, so I'm keeping it short. I have cancer too, and tire easily. This is a story by Richard Wilson of the Dayton Daily News.
This woman had potential. She graduated with a double major, worked two jobs, was involved in social issues. Now she is dead because of no health insurance. I wonder what would have been if she had lived. This breaks my heart.
Please forgive my writing, I'm a bit off today. But this is a story everyone should hear.
yes, I've had cancer. I've seen what this heath care system is like. It is screwed up. But read the story, she had graduated, she did go to the doctors. I am emotional about this cause because EVERYONE should have access to health care. We can be rational and emotional. Why do we have to leave out stories like these?
OXFORD — Friends say the Miami University graduate who died this week after reportedly suffering from swine flu delayed getting medical treatment because she did not have health insurance.
News of Kimberly Young’s death Wednesday, Sept. 23, came as a shock to those who knew the vibrant 22-year-old who was working at least two jobs in Oxford after graduating with a double major in December 2008.
Young became ill about two weeks ago, but didn’t seek care initially because she didn’t have health insurance and was worried about the cost, according to Brent Mowery, her friend and former roommate.
Mowery said Young eventually went to an urgent care facility in Hamilton where she was given pain medication and then sent home.
On Tuesday, Sept. 22, Young’s condition suddenly worsened and her roommate drove her to McCullough Hyde Memorial Hospital in Oxford, where she was flown in critical condition to University Hospital in Cincinnati.
"That’s the most tragic part about it. If she had insurance, she would have gone to the doctor," Mowery said.
Family members indicated that Young died from complications from the H1N1 virus, but the Ohio Department of Health, the Hamilton County Health District and the Butler County Health Department were unable to confirm she had been infected with the virus.
Bret Atkins, of ODH, said late Thursday afternoon that his department had not received a specimen yet to test for the H1N1 virus. If it is confirmed, Young would be the fourth Ohioan to die from the virus and the second from Butler County.
Young, known as "Kimi" to her friends and family, graduated from Elmwood High School in Wayne, Ohio, and earned a bachelor of arts in international studies and a bachelor of fine arts, while minoring in French and Spanish.
Miami grad recalled as a vibrant, exceptional young woman
Those who knew Kimi Young say she was a vibrant and exceptional person, in academics and as a friend.
The 22-year-old’s death Wednesday from complications possibly caused by the swine flu, came after she suffered symptoms for several days but had nothing more than fever reducers to combat the virus, according to friends.
"I just can’t believe this has happened," said Dr. Jeanne Hey, director of international studies at Miami and mentor to Young.
"She was just a presence on this campus. She organized trips. A lot of people knew her because she was so active."
Young, who studied French, Spanish and earned two degrees at Miami — international studies and fine arts photography, was an active member of the Students for Peace and Justice and the Association of Latin American Students.
The Wayne, Ohio, native was still in Oxford after graduating in 2008 because she wasn’t able to find the right job. Hey said this past summer, Young was debating pursuing a graduate degree or working for a nonprofit organization.
"She had an incredible commitment to social justice," Hey said. "She was a person with a huge heart and a very free spirit as well. She really cared about people here and around the world."
Young traveled twice to Latin America to explore human rights issues, and helped organize the spring break trips as part of the Students for Peace and Justice, said Walt Vanderbush, club adviser and professor of political science and Latin American studies.
Vanderbush, who wrote letters of recommendation for Young, said she contributed greatly on the trips, taking photos and later making presentations in her classes.
Young lived in an off-campus apartment and had been working at least two jobs — four years at the Kofenya coffee shop and nearly three years at the Bagel & Deli, both on High Street in uptown Oxford.
At the Bagel & Deli, a memorial sign in the window reads, in part: "In a world where happiness comes with such a price, you made everyone richer by just being you. Life just isn’t the same without you, friend."
Employee Mallory Naber said those who knew "Kimi" were devastated by her passing.
"It’s been very hard for everyone who knew her," she said.
At a busy Kofenya coffee shop Thursday afternoon, Young’s friends and co-workers wrote messages in a memorial book that will be given to her family. By the register, a small memorial consisted of candid photos and messages to Young, "the best barista."
Brent Mowery, a friend and former roommate, said Young was planning to move in October to join the arts scene in Philadelphia.
Mowery said he last saw Young the day before she got sick, about two weeks ago.
He said she was experiencing serious flu symptoms but didn’t seek medical treatment because she didn’t have health insurance.