I almost died from flu. My life didn't go back to normal after.

In February 2011, 12-year-old Madi Allen from Central Illinois, who enjoyed sports, suffered a severe case of the flu. The influenza B virus led to necrotizing pneumonia, MRSA infection, and kidney failure. She was placed on life support, underwent intubation for five weeks, and remained in the hospital for two months, followed by a decade-long recovery process.

Madi, a normal seventh-grader prior to the illness, began feeling unwell on a weekend. Her mother attempted to alleviate her symptoms with over-the-counter medication, but they proved ineffective. Concerned, Madi requested to sleep with her mother, who helped her take a shower despite her weakened state. The nurse noticed gray lips and sunken eyes, prompting an immediate hospital transfer.

Upon arrival at the specialized children's hospital, doctors diagnosed Madi with double pneumonia. She was intubated, but the BiPAP machine, used to deliver pressurized air, caused significant discomfort. Despite the initial difficulties, Madi was moved to a bigger hospital in St. Louis after the initial team deemed her unlikely to survive the journey.

Madi spent 93 days in the hospital, enduring multiple therapies, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. After being removed from life support, she underwent surgery to remove part of her lung damaged by the virus. Five weeks after her initial hospitalization, Madi regained consciousness, initially disorientated by the confusing environment. She later learned about an important wedding she'd missed and her delayed school test, both of which were rescheduled to accommodate her recovery.