The mission of Alana's Flu Foundation is to educate the public about the importance of yearly influenza (flu) vaccinations and in doing so, increase the annual vaccination rates by providing convenient and affordable options for immunization.
About Alana
As extraordinary as the outcome, Alana’s story is relatively unremarkable in detail. On the afternoon of February 1, 2003, 5 ½ year-old Alana Yaksich spent the day with her parents and brothers watching movies, eating sundaes and playing. Although she had a low-grade fever from a recent sore throat (for which she had finished a course of antibiotics), Alana enjoyed the afternoon feeling healthy and surrounded by her friends and family. Later that evening, Alana developed a 106-degree fever and was rushed to the emergency room. Within hours of her arrival at the local hospital, Alana died of flu-related complications that caused swelling and injury to her brain. Alana had not been vaccinated against the flu. Her age was not in the recommended CDC guidelines at the time. In memory of Alana, her family has established the Alana's Flu Foundation. They are also active as founding members of Families Fighting Flu, a non-profit dedicated to educating people about the severity of influenza and the importance of vaccinating children against the flu every year.
Click below for pictures of Alana:
Alana's Family and Friends are Fighting Back against Flu:
