21-year-old man is first from Warren, Northampton, Hunterdon counties to die of H1N1

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Source: http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/war...f/2009/12/21-year-old_is_first_from_warr.html

21-year-old man is first from Warren, Northampton, Hunterdon counties to die of H1N1
By Kurt Bresswein
December 16, 2009, 4:49PM

A 21-year-old Warren County man is the county's first resident to die of the H1N1 virus, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services said today.

He had underlying medical conditions and was hospitalized Nov. 19, according to a department news release. Department spokeswoman Dawn Thomas said she could not elaborate further, including being more specific about where he lived.

"We don't give out that information because of privacy reasons," she said.

Hunterdon and Northampton counties have reported no deaths from H1N1, also known as swine flu. Lehigh County reported two deaths.

New Jersey has reported 38 H1N1 deaths since the virus first surfaced last spring; 66 Pennsylvanians have died.

The news of the Warren County man's death comes as both Pennsylvania and New Jersey have relaxed limits on who can get H1N1 vaccine. It is now available to anyone, not just those in target groups identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Hunterdon County Department of Health today said all residents 10 years and older can register for H1N1 clinics scheduled 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 28 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 4, both at the county complex on Route 12 in Raritan Township. Both clinics will offer the killed virus administered by injection. Register at co.hunterdon.nj.us/health.htm or by calling the department's H1N1 call center at 908-237-7150.

Warren County has no clinics scheduled but will open the next ones as they are planned to residents beyond the target groups, said Mary Van Horn, county health department community health services nursing supervisor.

 

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Re: 21-year-old man is first from Warren, Northampton, Hunterdon counties to die of H1N1

Source: http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/war...f/2009/12/conor_babula_the_regions_first.html

Conor Babula, the region's first confirmed H1N1 fatality, is remembered as a special young man
By Express-Times staff
December 17, 2009, 12:32AM

A beloved 21-year-old Harmony Township man already burdened with health issues is the first individual from the Hunterdon, Northampton and Warren County region to die from the H1N1 virus.

Conor Patrick Babula, born with congenital heart problems and down syndrome, died Nov. 25 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, N.J.

"He had been vaccinated against the regular flu, but we had not gotten to the H1N1," Conor's mother, Maureen Babula said.

Conor was proud to be a Fourth-Degree Knight of Columbus and had medaled in the Special Olympics in his final year at Belvidere High School.

Conor Babula's obituary guestbook was filled with memories of those whose life he had touched.

You will be missed my friend. It was such a joy to be your aide. I enjoyed every second of it! Even though I was suppose to be there to teach you, you taught me more then you can will ever know. I will never forget you little buddy. ~ Josh Costantino

My prayers are with you during this difficult time. It is evident that Conor touched many lives. As a former camp counselor of Conor's, I will cherish the memories of him and hope your memories provide you some peace. ~ Kelly

From the hundreds of people who attended Conor' s viewing to the sympathy cards that continue to arrive, the family has been touched by the love and acceptance Conor had achieved.

"The outpouring has been so amazing," said Maureen Babula, a former Harmony Township mayor. "What was such great consolation is how he touched so many lives."

New Jersey has reported 38 H1N1 deaths since the virus first surfaced last spring; 66 Pennsylvanians have died. Both states have announced this week that the H1N1 vaccine is now available to individuals outside of the high risk groups.

Source: http://obits.lehighvalleylive.com/obituaries/etpa/obituary.aspx?n=conor-patrick-babula&pid=136505168


Conor Patrick Babula

Conor Patrick Babula, of Harmony Twp., NJ passed away November 25, 2009 at the Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. Conor has gone to be with his friend, Jesus. Born: September 10, 1988 in Easton, Pa. Personal: Conor was a special young man who gave joy to those who knew him. We, his family, felt so privileged to have him and love him for his brief 21 years. He loved being hugged and hugging back. He loved the NY Jets and the NY Yankees and was the biggest fan that the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" ever had. He saved money for our "family vacations" so we could go on cruises together, where he enjoyed the shows and the gambling. He loved the holidays, especially Christmas. He loved animals and looked forward to meeting all of ours that are already in heaven. Conor never forgot to make sure that we always said a prayer before meals. He was an altar server at church and a very proud Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. He won medals at the Special Olympics, including a gold in "race walking". He was in his last year at Belvidere High School and was working part-time to try to see what he wanted to do with his future. It is impossible to express how badly Conor will be missed. He leaves a giant hole in many lives. Memberships: Conor was a member of the Harmony Twp. Fire Department. Survivors: Conor is survived by his parents, George and Maureen Byrne Babula of Harmony Twp., NJ; his brother, Justin Babula of Toms River, NJ. In addition, he is survived by many, many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends especially, his best friend Adam Smith and his beloved German Shepard, Sadie. Services: Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 beginning at the Finegan Funeral Home, 302 Heckman St., Phillipsburg at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Philip & St. James Catholic Church, South Main St., Phillipsburg at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will be at Holy Apostles Mausoleum, Greenwich Twp., NJ. Calling hours will be held on Monday at the funeral home from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Memorials: In lieu of flowers donation may be made to ARC of New Jersey, 985 Livingston Ave., North Brunswick, NJ 08902 to establish a memorial in Conor's name or Common Sense for Animals, 2420 Route 57, Stewartsville, NJ 08886.

Published in The Express Times from November 26 to November 28, 2009 Print print