Kimberly Young, 22, of Oxford, worked at the Kofenya coffee shop for 4 years. An employee there said the shop was planning to hold a special event in her honor.

Kimberly 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.

http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/deceased-miami-student-remembered-for-her-passion-315472.html

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