The Catholic influencer announced Thursday that her 5-year-old son had died after an 11-day illness. Severe case of influenzathe loss unfolded publicly as he shared updates online almost daily.
Paul J. Kim shares faith-based content with over 300,000 followers on instagramsaid his son Micah died on New Year’s Eve.
In an emotional video posted Thursday, Kim thanked his supporters. for their prayers He asked for privacy as his family grieved.
“We are so proud of him,” Kim said in the video. “As his father, and on behalf of my family, I would like to sincerely thank everyone for all their efforts.” prayed and lifted us up During this time. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through in my life, and it continues to be. ”
Kim first shared news of Mika’s illness on Dec. 21, when she posted that her son had a medical emergency and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
‘Progressive’ new influenza variant sweeps the world, doctors warn of severe symptoms
In a subsequent update, Kim said doctors described Mika’s illness as an unusually severe case of the flu. Kim later told her followers that Micah was on life support and urged people to pray.
In a subsequent update, he revealed that a flu infection led to sepsis and a seizure. At the time, doctors described the case as follows, Kim said. rare and serious.
In an update on Dec. 30, Kim said her son’s condition has worsened and Mika is in a coma as a doctor and doctor. family I worked to give him as much time as possible.
New York state reports record number of influenza infections, authorities issue warning
Kim’s postsome of which showed Micah in the hospital, were viewed millions of times.
Throughout the ordeal, Kim called her son a fighter and “my hero.”
In a written Instagram post, he quoted Job 1:21, “The Lord gave, and the Lord took away. Blessed be the name of the Lord,” and said Micah had entered into “God’s never-ending glory, love, and peace.”
He added that the family’s hearts continue to be broken. rely on their faith.
Kim also called on believers to pray for their families while learning “how to live by faith, not sight.”
According to recent data, the CDC reported 288 child deaths in the 2024-25 season.
This is the highest on record for a non-pandemic year, and 70% of children, primarily unvaccinated, have underlying health conditions such as asthma.
Additionally, this season has seen the emergence of a new strain, the so-called “super influenza,” which is a mutation of influenza A H3N2 called subclade K. It’s highly contagious and aggressive, and it’s sweeping the nation this season.
On average, around 20,000 children under the age of five are admitted to hospital each year, with younger children (under six months) facing the highest risk of death, highlighting the importance of annual vaccinations. CDC.
Kim did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Angelica Stabile contributed to this report.
