Nationwide — Kaden Stevenson, an African American boy from Michigan, was 7 years old when he caught the flu and developed life-threatening complications that led to the loss of both legs. Now 10 years old, he continues to stay active and raise awareness about the importance of flu vaccines.

Kaden first fell ill in December 2022, just before Christmas. He hadn’t received his flu shot that year and began vomiting and feeling unusually tired. By Christmas day, he was sleeping more than normal, which alarmed his mother, Michele Stevenson.

A few days later, Kaden complained of severe pain in his right leg. His grandmother noticed his condition worsening, and Michele discovered his leg was swollen with a rash spreading across his body. They rushed him to the emergency room, and he was quickly transferred to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, where he was intubated.

Doctors diagnosed Kaden with influenza A and strep, which led to toxic shock. The infection caused his heart, liver, and kidneys to begin failing. Surgeons first removed dead tissue from his right leg, including the calf muscle. Two weeks later, doctors told Michele both of Kaden’s legs would need to be amputated because the infection had entered his bloodstream.

Despite the trauma, Kaden remained positive. He was inspired by another child at the hospital who did not survive the flu. “I remember my baby telling me, ‘I survived. I’m gonna survive for that kid,’” Michele told People. “And that’s kind of been like his attitude going forward, just positive and like willing to do whatever he can do to spread whatever positive message about anything.”

Kaden faced more challenges when his father passed away around the same time, adding emotional strain. Yet he adapted quickly. Michele describes him as kind, loving, and resilient, continuing to play basketball and live an active life.

“To see my baby, he doesn’t matter if he got, you know, legs or not, he still bumps around the house like nothing ever happened,” she said. “People didn’t even realize that he wasn’t born this way.”

The family now works with Families Fighting Flu to educate others about the virus. Kaden still undergoes revision surgeries and regular checkups because of the organ failures he suffered. Michele remains vigilant to protect him from reinfection, highlighting the crucial role of flu vaccines for children.