Personal Stories
Flu Season Peaks in February: Supporting Families in the Fight
As the flu continues to spread at alarming rates across the country, the devastating toll it takes on families is undeniable. February has been an especially difficult month for Families Fighting Flu, with 20 of our family members impacted—14 lives lost and 6 survivors fighting their way back to health. These individuals span all ages,…
Read MoreImpact Story: Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Families Fighting Flu
When what would eventually become Families Fighting Flu started forming 20 years ago, it was under circumstances in which no family wants to find themselves. Our founding families had recently gone through the worst pain imaginable–losing a loved one–and were figuring out how to navigate their lives without their children and loved ones who passed…
Read MoreImpact Story: Remembering February Flu Battles
Kayauna Zabel was a 20-year-old paraprofessional who lived with her husband, brother, mother, and stepfather in Miami, Oklahoma. She called in sick to work and over the next four days she recovered at home—or so she thought. When she went back to work she began feeling worse, and the next evening, her husband, Preston, took…
Read MoreSurvivor’s Story: Christa Mitchell
Christa Mitchell was a healthy, vibrant, dedicated wife and mother who was actively engaged in her full-time job and her son’s school and sports activities when she found herself in an unexpected health crisis—the holiday season had brought flu into her family. As her symptoms escalated, she became acutely aware of the gravity of her…
Read MoreSurvivors’ Stories: Keep Holiday Flu Prevention Top of Mind This Season
The holiday season is in full swing. As we gather with friends and family for festive gatherings and cherished traditions, the last thing on your mind may be getting a flu shot. Yet, amidst the laughter and festivities, making sure your family is vaccinated against the flu is an essential item to check off your…
Read MoreSurvivor Family Story: Katie Miller
Katie Miller was only 9 years old when she almost lost her younger sister, Caroline, to the flu. She recalls getting a call from her mother at middle school at the time telling her to pack a bag to go visit her sister at the hospital where she was expected to pass away. Although her…
Read MoreSurvivor’s Story: Layla Richman
Last fall, Layla Richman’s family was doing what many families do as the weather cools: Getting deep into the routine of a new school year, taking advantage of cool weather to spend more time outdoors, and planning out Halloween costumes. But by the time Halloween came around, 3-year-old Layla had become unusually lethargic. She developed…
Read More7 Reasons Fall is When Families Should Get Their Flu Shots
Cayden was a healthy, bubbly, talkative 3 1/2-year-old who loved the color pink when she was taken to the hospital in early December 2014 sick with a fever, nausea and excessive mucus. Her family took her to the doctor twice but her condition didn’t improve. Finally, on December 5, she stopped breathing while napping and…
Read MoreThe 2022 Families Fighting Flu Influencer Campaign
Families Fighting Flu is proud to work with 11 influencers this fall who are sharing their personal stories about the flu, and the importance of getting flu vaccines. Why influencers? These content creators are the faces of social media. We wanted to engage real people who have a direct connection to the flu to share…
Read MoreTake Flu Symptoms Seriously In Memory of Julianna
The following article is guest authored by Julianna’s mom, Christina Granack. Julianna was a very adventurous little 4-year-old girl! She was a huge fan of baby shark, which was her nickname, and loved watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Minnie Mouse. She loved climbing trees, biking, and exploring nature. On December 27, 2019, my daughter had…
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