The 10-year-old Harlem girl who died of complications associated with the novel influenza A H1N1 virus appeared to be healthy before contracting the disease, a family spokesman said Tuesday.
The Rev. Rodney MacRae said the family of Summer Rockefeller isn't sure where she got the virus. The Rev. MacRae is the pastor of Calvary Tabernacle in Waynesboro, Ga., where Summer's aunt Theresa Martin worships.
A public health official who confirmed Tuesday that Summer had contracted the disease, commonly referred to as swine flu, also said the girl seemed not to have any other medical condition that could have compromised her health.
"There were no underlying major medical conditions that we know of yet," said Joy Miller, an epidemiologist with the Augusta-based District 6 state Health Department.
A database of Georgia deaths from lab-confirmed influenza A H1N1 virus showed that in all but one of the 25 deaths the patient had an underlying medical condition, the Georgia Division of Public Health reported. The one death was that of a 7-year-old girl in Whitfield County. Another case, of a 41-year-old Ware County woman, is still being investigated.
As of Tuesday, the database did not contain Summer's case and the division was checking to see whether it had received notice of her death as one caused by the virus.
In a study of child deaths from novel H1N1 virus published last month in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that of 23 deaths it examined where pathology and culture reports were available, 10 of those children also had a bacterial infection. Of those, six were 5 years old or older and had no underlying health conditions that would have contributed to greater risk from flu. In two other deaths with no underlying conditions, no sample was collected or the bacterial status was unknown, according to the report.
The Rev. MacRae said neither of Summer's parents had health insurance, but he disputed reports that her medical bills totaled nearly $3 million. He also said that neither parent had lost a home, as a Columbia County school board member said Monday.
Summer's funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. today in the chapel of Chance and Hydrick Funeral Directors, 2502 Richmond Hill Road.
Staff writer Tom Corwin contributed to this story.
Reach Donnie Fetter at (706) 868-1222, ext. 115, or donnie.fetter@augustachronicle.com.
FUNDRAISING EVENT
To help defray some of the medical expenses for the parents of Summer Rockefeller, Harlem Baptist Church will hold a spaghetti supper fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 5. The cost will be $7 per plate, and advance meal tickets are available at the Sunrise Grill restaurants in North Augusta and Martinez, Whitaker Electric in Harlem, Euchee Creek Elementary, Harlem Middle School and at the church.
Also, Harlem Baptist Church is accepting donations on behalf of the family. Those who wish to can send donations to the church at P.O. Box 790, Harlem, GA 30814.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2010 Morris Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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"neither of Summer's parents had health insurance, but he disputed reports that her medical bills totaled nearly $3 million" Another case of people who work and pay for health insurance are paying for someone that dosn't. There should be a national healthcare tax that pays for situations like this. I don't think the overall "Fair Tax" that you see advertised is best. I don't want to pay a 20% tax on everything I buy. I wouldn't mind a 4% buyers tax and still pay an income tax to help people like this family tho. I'ts about time the illegal aliens, drug dealers and people working under the table pay their share with a buyers tax.
Fedup: But it's only a "fair" tax if we ALL pay it, not just the people living illegally. And how much do you pay now in income taxes? Probably way more than 20%.
FEDUP, SHUTUP!!!!!!Do you know the circumstances that might have contributed to their not having insurance?
The thing that amazes me most in the way this story keeps changing....can't they check facts before they publish or air stories like this? All they had to do was contact a parent for verification.
Let me tell you something. I work MY butt off. As do MANY MANY people. I can NOT even go get a mammogram or NOTHING, because I can not afford Health insurance. It's NOT right. And I hope and pray to God that this bill goes through. Everyone should have health insurance. Don't like it? Well TOO BAD!
God Bless this family in their time of horrid grief. To lose a child.
i have health insurance, but that is a misnomer, as the $300 per month i pay (on top of the $700 that my employer pays) for me and my wifey does nothing to insure that we are healthy. our daily life choices concerning nutrition and exercise are what keep us healthy.
HoneyCombHaHaHa.....God help us all if this health care bill passes. You think our healthcare system is broken now? Just wait.
HoneyCombHaHaHa is obviously one of the mis-informed (no, outright IGNORANT) people who put this joker in office, along with all the votes he stole. They want the "gummint" to take care of them cradle-to-grave, pay the whole way. This proposed "health care reform" is the scariest thing to come along in quite a while. If there's going to be reform, there are other ways to do it than give everything to the Obamanation.
Wait till 2010 folks!!!
Honeycomb do you have internet? a computer? cable television? cell phone? home phone? car? insurance for that car? If yes to any of these then you can afford the insurance but choose not to pay for it.
As for the Rockefellar family, my heart breaks for you. May God give you peace with this, eventually it will come.
FedupwithAug I don't wish this on alot of people. I tell you as a close family member thats finds your remark, "neither of Summer's parents had health insurance, but he disputed reports that her medical bills totaled nearly $3 million". Another case of people who work and pay for health insurance are paying for someone that dosn't", to say the least disturbing. I hope you never ever have to experience what my family is going thru and further more go to H*** with gasoline underwear. It's people like you that find negative remarks and something smart to say about everything. Did your parents never teach an ounce of respect or maybe some kinhearted words for people during a time like this. I'm sure they did, you just choose not to apply it.
Once again for IDIOTS who post negative comments on this page about this young lady. Please post them somewhere else and give the young lady and family the respect that they deserve at this time. This is not the place for your posts tell it to your congressman/woman.
My store manager's sister is dying from Swine Flu after going to two local hospitals for help. First hospital said it was only bronchitis, and the second said it only the "regular" flu and if she felt worse to come back. On the way back the second time, she collapsed and has been in a coma ever since. Her kidneys have failed and she's on a breathing machine. Why wasn't she tested for Swine flu at the first hospital, since it's going around? I'll tell you...she had no insurance. Fed up really [filtered word] me off with his/her statement. Millions of us work our butts off, pay taxes so others who are too sorry to get jobs or are not even supposed to be here get benefits handed to them on a silver platter. Something's got to change.
Fedup....you need to shut up ! The more you type, the dumber you sound. You are a complete idiot. A child has been taken from her parents and all you can do is spew ignorance from that hole in the front of your head.
Most people that have the swine flu are not tested for it. You either get it or you don't, you either get better or you don't. There are no medicines to cure viruses. The teacher I work with has it, 7 kids were out sick yesterday, I'm just waiting on it to happen to me.
Agrees with Cyndi I have a job and every pay period I have 223.00 removed from my check that is twice a month if I have 3 pay periods that is almost 675.00 a month in health care. Does that cut in to my family budget sure does. If it goes up any more I will have to drop it I can not afford it then.
People are upset over these situations because there has been fear created around this whole situation. You don't see many good decisions made out of fear. I hear reports that those being treated using NAET are doing well. That is an additional approach than can be taken. They can also test to see if your body will have a negative reaction to the vaccine. I will be attacked for speaking about NAET but I won't have the regrets of not mentioning it and someone dying needlessly. I have the freedom to tell people it is out there and people have the freedom to accept or reject and the freedom to attack me for mentioning it. There is also EFT while you are attacking.
This is a story about a child named Summer. I pray for her family having to go through this. I would not even want to imagine such pain. I am donating to this family to help with their circumstances. I don't care about what taxes I pay or how much I'm paying for someone's health care other than my own. I wish everyone would just get quiet for this family, support them in this forum and sit down and send a check, however small. They need all our support in this time of need. God bless this family.
I can barely pay my bills on what I make, not to mention my employer does not offer health insurance. I have tried to get insurance in the individual market and it is ridiculous what they charge for it. I have preexisting medical conditions that prevent me from getting the best rates. I am lucky to have a primary care doctor that gives me a discount. I go to a Federally Qualified Health Center. They will base your rate on your income and you pay that. Minimum copay is $20.00. I actually pay more than that because my income is too high and I barely make above poverty level. Until you go through a crisis without insurance keep YOUR MOUTH SHUT!!! My husband can not work and has numerous health problems. Does not qualify for Medicaid because we are a married couple with no children. He has applied for disability but that takes forever to get approved. We chose not to have children because we can not afford it, but with my tax money I pay for women to have children on Medicaid that have no jobs. I hope this health reform goes through, and no I did not vote for Obama.
By the way, condolences to the family of Summer.
If neither parent had jobs, they could have obtained medicaid or peach care. There is no excuse for not insuring your children.
Simpaquin, you need to reapply. It is not always true that you can't get Medicaid if you are married and have no children, especially now that your husband is disabled.
The mother I know for sure had a job, but I also know that the company she worked and the insurance they "provide" she would have spent approx. $700 a month, when she was only making barely above min. wage
i'm very sorry for this young beautiful girl and her family,but why did it cost 3 million dollars to treat the flu for two months,there has to be more to this storey
To "TakebacktheUSA": First of all your display name makes one believe as if the USA was stolen. Your candidate didn't win. Get over it. It happens every election. Someone wins. Someone loses. Now as a person who is actively involved with securing health insurance for my company I can tell you that YOU are the one who is misinformed. There are people who pay for healthcare insurance and still cannot afford to go to the Doctor because the plan doesn't meet their needs. God help someone that has an on-going problem. I guess you're one of the lucky citizens who do not have to deal with this issue. I work OT just trying to find ways for my employees to get prescriptions they cannot afford through various other avenues, and write countless appeal letters for employees who had their coverage denied for much needed procedures. I know the tricks the insurance company plays to keep from covering people. I see it everyday. Do you? I don't think so because if you did you would be singing a different tune. My employees do not want the government to take care of them (your "gummint" comment was offensive). They just want the insurance companies to play fair.
I can tell you all without a doubt that Elizabeth did have a job. But unfortunately it was through a temp company. Brian works in the construction industry. I think we all know that you are not offered insurance under either of these circumstances. I believe she did have medicaid or peach care but don't think it covered the optional procedures. Summer was NEVER diagnosed with any other health issues. She got the common illnesses just as all children do. This family has been through so much. I guarantee none of you could spend a minute in their shoes. Much less walk a day. I work and have worked for over 20 years. Have paid taxes for all of those years. I have no problem with my taxes going towards helping someone who is down on their luck. I think we need to all keep in mind that this could have easily been any one of us. and if the situation did involve you would you still be so comfortable discussing this as if it happened to someone who would not be reading all the garbage being posted about their family. RIP Summer Nichole Rockefeller..... You will live forever in our hearts!!!!!!
heed4108,how many of these have cell phones,go out and party all weekend,smoke.drink,go to movies etc.all these add up to health insuranse for there family.you have to have priorties.
is it anyones business if this family lost their home or not. That has nothing to do with this terrible loss of their child. People (including the press) are always trying to "advertise" peoples misfortunes. All I know is that even if they lived in a box on the side of the road, the loss of their child means the same to them as someone who lives in a fancy house and drives a fancy car. Dont look for others misfortune in order to judge them as people. Dont ASSume you know everything about this family. God Bless you Summer and your family-
fedupwithaug..... Go live somewhere else if you fed up here.. We wont miss ya.... My prayers go out to the Rockefeller family. I cant imagine everything you all have been through. The is a very unforunate situation. I pray God will grant you the strength you need to get through this terrible ordeal.... And i pray people will STOP leaving useless comments here where a precious child has passed away.
This situation of this family loosing their child is very heartbreaking. I'm very sorry to hear that they lost their jobs due to the circumstances.