Personal Stories
The 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…
Read More5 Ways To Support Grieving Families During The Holidays
When someone you care about is grieving, it can be tough to know what to say or do. It’s common to feel helpless, awkward, or unsure. You may be afraid of intruding, saying the wrong thing, or making the person feel even worse. Or maybe you feel there’s little you can do to make things…
Read MoreScience Doesn’t Lie: A Bereaved Parent’s Perspective on Flu & COVID-19 Vaccines
Jennifer Romero shares her story about her daughter’s flu death to encourage people to get vaccinated against both flu and COVID-19. Our daughter, Madison, died from H1N1 influenza A on February 26, 2020. I know that vaccination offers the best possible protection against viruses that could kill or permanently change someone else’s life. Madison was…
Read MoreFrom One Pandemic to Another: The Importance of Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination
During the last pandemic, Henry Lin, MD, lost his child Trevor to H1N1 influenza on November 2, 2009. He died more than 10 years before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. In October 2009, Dr. Lin could not get Trevor or his siblings vaccinated against H1N1 influenza because the vaccine was not yet available to families…
Read MoreFamily Holds Flu Vaccination Events in Memory of Daughter
Amber McCarthy, FFF Board Member, and Irelynd McCarthy, FFF Junior Board member, lost their daughter and sister Ayzlee to flu in 2014. Ayzlee never had respiratory symptoms but was dehydrated, had an increased heart rate, and confusion. Less than 10 hours after going to the emergency room, she passed away from septic shock secondary to…
Read MoreInFLUencer Jeb S. Teichman is Motivated by the Memory of His Son
Jeb S. Teichman, M.D., is a Families Fighting Flu medical advisor and practiced pediatric medicine for 22 years in Southern Indiana before moving into the managed care setting. He has served the Kentuckiana community for 35 years and will continue to do so in some capacity in retirement. Since losing his adult son, Brent, to…
Read MoreFlu Survivor Shares Story to Help Others Understand Flu is Serious
Shari Hall is a survivor of a life-threatening case of influenza. Shari and her daughter Elizabeth sat down with Families Fighting Flu to talk about their experience, including the challenges Shari faces after losing her leg and several fingers due to complications with the flu. They share their story to help others understand that the…
Read MoreWidow Reminds Adults To Get Annual Flu Vaccinations
Lisa and Paul had looked forward to their retirement plans together for years. As they were entering the prime of the lives, Paul – previously healthy – died from complications from the flu. Lisa shares their story now as a reminder that the flu is unpredictable, but preventable through annual vaccination. Video supported by Seqirus.
Read MoreLife After Influenza: An Ongoing Recovery
Years ago, Jewel was in the hospital fighting for her life after getting the flu. Jewel and her husband Jason shared the challenges of her ongoing recovery in the hopes they can prevent another family living through their experience. Watch their story to hear why Jewel is a Families Fighting Flu Advocate. Video supported by…
Read More