The flu bug doesn’t stand a chance against his arch nemesis, “Kaden Blaze”! The superhero character, inspired by former Mary Free Bed Kids patient Kaden Stevenson, made an exciting appearance at the hospital’s Grand Rapids Campus on December 2.
Three years ago, during Christmas break, Kaden’s mom, Michele Stevenson, noticed the 7-year-old’s health was getting progressively worse. He was flown from a hospital in Flint to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, where they learned he had influenza A and strep A.
Complications from the viruses led to Kaden having both legs amputated. Before and after the surgery, Kaden spent weeks working on physical, occupational and speech therapies in the Mary Free Bed Kids Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation Program. He pushed hard to regain his strength and independence.
During Kaden’s hospital stay, another young boy passed away from the flu. Kaden told his mom he must have superpowers because he survived – and he wanted to use his superpowers to save other kids from the flu. After getting connected with the nonprofit Families Fighting Flu, the idea for Kaden Blaze, superhero and flu-fighter, was born. He’s now featured in the comic book Kaden Blaze Fights Flu Bug.
Kaden’s visit to Mary Free Bed was featured on Good Morning America. Watch the segment below:
Kaden handed out signed copies of his book to patients and staff who helped him recover. A surprise visit by the infamous Flu Bug led “Kaden Blaze” to spring into action to fight him off.
With flu season in full swing, Kaden’s visit served as a reminder of the flu’s impact and highlighted National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW).
Now 10, Kaden and his mom are on a mission to protect others.
“The mission is to save lives,” Michele said. “It’s really about getting the message out there to listen to your kids, pay attention to what they have going on and make sure you get your flu vaccination. I keep thinking all the time, had I gone out earlier and gotten my son vaccinated, what would the difference have been?”
That’s the message Families Fighting Flu hopes to share through the book.
“I think people forget that trauma or something like getting the flu can be serious and what that does for a family. It’s hard. There’s more than just Kaden’s story; it’s the story a family incurs too. There’s an economic burden, there’s time. Kaden’s had over 100 doctors or hospital visits since he had his first diagnosis with the flu. We forget that there’s more than just the origin story,” said Michele Slafkosky, executive director of Families Fighting Flu.
Kaden has come a long way in the last three years. He plays for the Mary Free Bed Junior Pacers and attends Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp through the Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports Program.
“Today was a great day for the Mary Free Bed community,” said Molly McKinney, adaptive sports coordinator at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. “Kaden’s story has had such an impact on our staff. To see him thriving, gaining more confidence on the basketball court and starring in his own comic book brought joy to everyone. We know Kaden and Michele will continue to do great work to share their story.”
Kaden’s story has been featured by various news outlets:
Check out photos of the book signing in the gallery below:
