Why Universal Healthcare is needed.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36879046/ns/local_news-cincinnati_oh/

Mom Passes Away After Lengthy Battle With H1N1
Woman Put Off Treatment After Losing Job, Insurance

CINCINNATI - WLWT.com

Christy Bailey spent six months in the hospital undergoing treatment for complications related to H1N1, but the 26-year-old single mother has lost her fight.

"My mom has always told me that she is right by my side, even though she is not here with me," said her daughter, Kendall Bailey. "I just love her very, very much."
Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here
Click Here!

Bailey became ill in October, but she had lost her job and the insurance that came with it, so she put off getting treatment for days.

In that time, the H1N1 virus severely damaged her lungs and immune system, and Bailey died overnight the intensive care unit of University Hospital.

Doctors told Bailey's family that she would not likely survive her latest setback, and she was hooked up to oxygen and a feeding tube before her death.

"The nurse told us yesterday, if she lives through the weekend that they would be surprised," said Bailey's mother, Verna Jackson.

Her family made funeral arrangements as they prepared for the worst, but they remained hopeful, as Bailey had briefly recovered from a similarly grim prognosis in March.

"Christina is a really strong person and she's been sick for a long time, and she's gotten through it and gotten this far, so we just keep taking care of her the best that we can," said nurse Betsy Linz.

Bailey's daughter, who carries her photo with her every day to school, kept a journal of the things she'd like to do with her mom if she had been able to leave the hospital.

"Go to the pumpkin patch, go to Florida and walk on the beach," Kendall said.

Kendall's friends and teachers held a car wash Saturday intended to help the family pay some of their mounting expenses, but those proceeds will now go to pay for Bailey's funeral.

"We are just hoping for a big turnout to support this wonderful family and this super child," said teacher Lisa Schulte.

The car wash will be held rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Advance Auto Parts on Main Street in Hamilton.

Donations may also be made at Fifth Third Bank.