Who We Are
In early December 2003, our son, Ian, at 6½ months old, began showing signs of illness. He was initially diagnosed with the flu by our pediatrician, with instructions to monitor his condition. However, Ian's health rapidly deteriorated, and we rushed him to a specialized children's urgent care facility where he tested positive for influenza. Despite our hopes for improvement, Ian went into respiratory arrest just 30 hours after his first symptom. Despite all the hospital staff and first responder's efforts Ian passed away on December 17, 2003. As Ian left our world, a beautiful double rainbow appeared on a rain-less day over the hospital where he passed, letting everyone know that he was going to be okay.
Two weeks before his illness, Ian had received the first dose of the influenza vaccine. To honor his memory, we established Ian's Rainbow Flu Foundation, aiming to raise awareness about the seriousness of influenza and the importance of vaccination.
What We Do
Flu Clinics
Ian’s Rainbow Flu Foundation offers free will donation flu clinics in the Kansas City North area
Walk to Fight the Flu
Our annual walk to fight the flu raises awareness of Ian's story and also provides a fun, family freindly event to get yourself and the ones you love vaccinated
Community Engagement
We share our story to educate people on the seriousness of the flu and ways to help prevent the spread of the flu