Posts Tagged ‘family stories’
InFLUencer 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 MoreGrieving Mom Urges Parents to Get Annual Flu Vaccinations
Two-year-old Reese was an energetic, healthy toddler loved dearly by her entire family when her life was cut short by the flu. Reese became ill with what her family assumed was a cold, but turned out to be Influenza B. She seemed like she was doing well, even getting back to eating and playing, but…
Read MoreFamilies Fighting Flu Announces New Medical Advisor, Dr. Jeb Teichman
Dr. Jeb Teichman has joined Families Fighting Flu as a Medical Advisor. Dr. Teichman spent a majority of his career as a pediatrician before transitioning to managed care. He currently is the Chief Medical Officer for United Healthcare Community Plan of Kentucky. Dr. Teichman understands the toll of flu not just from his work over…
Read MoreWhen the Holidays Aren’t Happy – How To Manage Grief and Support Others
Angie Wehrkamp’s daughter Gianna died suddenly from the flu when she was 2 years old. Angie serves as Secretary for the Families Fighting Flu Board of Directors. The most wonderful time of the year will never be as wonderful as it once was for someone who has lost a child or other loved one. I…
Read MoreHow COVID-19 Underscores the Importance of Public Confidence in Vaccines
Serese Marotta, Chief Operating Officer for Families Fighting Flu, shares her perspective on the importance of influenza vaccination. This post was originally published on The Catalyst. The 2009 H1N1 pandemic was a blip on the radar for most people. For many Americans, life went on without skipping a beat, with little impact to their daily…
Read MoreA Thanksgiving Reflection: Thank You to the Scientists and Researchers
Families Fighting Flu Chief Operations Officer Serese Marotta reflects on the Thanksgiving season. Before I lost my sweet 5-year-old boy Joseph to the flu in 2009, I only knew enough about the virus to know that we should be vaccinated. Did I think the flu killed healthy children and adults? Absolutely not. I did not…
Read MoreHow Immunization Advocates Can Take Action to Fight Flu
In a prior blog post, we talked about why immunization advocates need to raise their voices and the importance of speaking up about flu education, prevention, and treatment. Now, we outline five simple, actionable steps you can take to promote flu awareness and annual flu vaccination. 1. Lead by example by getting vaccinated against flu each…
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