While Christmastime is usually filled with peace and happiness, the holiday season was anything but tranquil for the family of Hawaii County Fire Department member Riley Young, who was recently announced as the 2021 Greg Cameron Fire Fund $2,000 grant recipient.
"First, my wife was hospitalized at [Hilo Medical Center] for preeclampsia on and off the week of Christmas," Young recalled to Ohana Times.
At a time when most families are still clearing up wrapping paper and finishing holiday leftovers, Young and his wife welcomed their daughter, Līlia, into the world five weeks early and weighing only 3 pounds, 12 ounces. Because of her size, the tiny newborn was transported to Kapiolani Medical Center in Honolulu by their pediatric transport, where she remained undergoing a multitude of tests.
Meanwhile, while Līlia was flying to Oahu within her first moments of life, Young's wife remained at HMC, and Riley quickly arranged child care for their older children.
"This was very hard for [my wife]," Young said. "She was apart from her newborn within minutes. Once I was with my daughter, the doctors said her breathing was great, and she needed to feed and grow. My daughter, according to the staff at Kapiolani Medical Center, was feisty, and would be very active and vocal during her stay."
The Young family was told that Līlia likely needed to remain under KMC's care for at least a month, However, having passed her tests ahead of schedule, Young said the newest addition to the family is home and doing well.
Even as Līlia's condition improves, the Young family faces more obstacles. There is ongoing travel to Oahu, lodging near KMC and the medical bills for Līlia's care.
"The support of our friends and family was greatly appreciated while we were away from our home and children," Young said. "A big shoutout to them."
Young is a fire rescue specialist at the Waiakea Fire Station. He has been a firefighter for 14 years.
Young's message to others on the Big Island who might be struggling with a family illness or an emergency is to have courage to ask friends and family for help.
"You will be surprised at how much you and your ohana are loved, and the amount of support people are willing to give," he said.
A family member suggested applying for the grant to Young, and he's glad he took the opportunity to get some financial help.
"[It's helping] to make this challenge easier for us to overcome," Young said. "We will be forever grateful for that."