Former Aloha Airlines' employees devastated by their layoffs have other pressures to consider. Like medical coverage. A new mom suddenly without an income and insurance shared her story with Lokahi.

“She's more than I ever could ask for. I just never expected this day to be both happy and sad when she came,” said Fai Mitchell, a former Aloha Airlines Employee.

Mitchell was on top of the world after the birth of her daughter Taryn March 28th. Then, a bombshell.

“I actually found out the day I got discharged from the hospital that I had no job to go back to,” said Mitchell.

Overnight, she was unemployed, with a baby to support. These mementos, the only thing left from her 4 years working in Aloha Airlines' customer service department.

“I can't exactly go to work right now. I tried for unemployment, but I'm not eligible because I'm on maternity leave so I'm kind of stuck in limbo right now,” said Mitchell.

No job. No insurance for her or Taryn. Her fiance works two jobs. Fai has applied for Quest coverage for her and her baby girl.

“We've actually looked into a lot of other options, but it seems I keep running into dead ends because of my being on maternity leave, not actually working,” said Mitcheel.

HMSA is holding informational sessions to help former Aloha employees get covered.

“The discussion of what happens when I lose my job is not something that's top of mind. We're helping them to understand what all their options are,” said Cliff Sisco, from HMSA.

“I never thought this could happen to me and it has. It could happen to anybody. It's not just me. It's not just the people who worked for Aloha. Anybody could be in this position,” said Mitchell.

Fai counts her blessings, she has a roof over her head, a supportive fiancee, and a baby to keep her busy.
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