A Father’s Plea: Taking the Flu Seriously After Daughter’s Devastating Diagnosis
Bradley Boler, a 31-year-old security guard and father of four from Chillicothe, Ohio, never thought the flu could upend his family’s life the way it did. He described himself as an average working dad, striving to care for his family and believing the flu was something manageable with rest and medicine. But that all changed when his 4-year-old daughter, Locklynn, fell critically ill with severe flu complications, including a brain injury that has left her in a long-term battle for recovery. Like many parents, Bradley underestimated the flu, but now he is urging others to take it seriously. “I just want people to take the flu more seriously,” he told “Good Morning America.” “This is a nightmare that I wish no one else has to live.”
Locklynn’s harrowing journey: From flu to severe brain injury
Locklynn, described by her father as the “boss” of the house and his “daddy’s girl,” was among three of Bradley’s four children who tested positive for influenza A in late February. While her siblings recovered, Locklynn’s condition spiraled. She developed pneumonia and collapsed at home on February 24. Bradley recalls the terrifying moment: “She jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom, then collapsed like she was having a seizure. I picked her up, and she wasn’t breathing.” Bradley’s fiancée and sister performed CPR while he rushed her to the hospital, but Locklynn was without oxygen for at least four minutes before being resuscitated. The rapid decline of a vibrant child who was once “feisty” and full of life left her family reeling. “It don’t feel real,” Bradley said. “It’s like waking up to a nightmare.”
The medical fight: Locklynn’s critical condition and uncertain future
Locklynn was airlifted to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, where she remains in critical care. Dr. Marlina Lovett, an attending physician in the pediatric intensive care unit, described her condition as “critically ill” upon arrival. “She had a breathing tube, was on a ventilator, and was unresponsive,” Lovett explained. Locklynn was diagnosed with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, a severe brain injury caused by lack of oxygen, which has left her experiencing muscle spasms and unable to control her body movements. Months of hospitalization lie ahead, and doctors have expressed concerns about her long-term prognosis. “We don’t know how interactive she’ll be with her parents,” Lovett said. “She may need a feeding tube for life and could be wheelchair-bound.” Despite these devastating possibilities, Bradley and his family hold onto hope, believing that Locklynn, still young, may defy expectations. “God works in mysterious ways,” Bradley said. “We’re just hopeful.”
A family’s resilience: Finding strength in the face of tragedy
For Bradley and his family, life has been turned upside down. Locklynn’s condition has required round-the-clock care, and the emotional toll is immense. Bradley described how quickly their vibrant home was transformed into a space filled with uncertainty and fear. Yet, amidst the heartbreak, the family remains determined to support Locklynn and each other. They are surrounded by loving friends and family, and the prayers of countless strangers, which Bradley says have given them strength. “We’ve got a lot of family helping us,” he said. “We’re just taking it day by day.” Bradley’s resolve is clear: he will fight for Locklynn’s recovery and ensure her story inspires others to take the flu seriously.
Why the flu matters: A preventable danger for children and adults alike
Locklynn’s case underscores the flu’s unpredictability and the importance of taking it seriously, especially for high-risk groups like young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, which can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and brain injuries like the one Locklynn suffered. Symptoms in children often include fever, cough, and fatigue, but they can progress rapidly. Dr. Lovett emphasized that the flu is not just a minor illness: “It can make kids and adults really sick, and some, like Locklynn, can experience very severe complications.” The best defense, according to the CDC, is the flu vaccine, which can prevent infection or reduce its severity. Other precautions, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and covering coughs and sneezes, can also help prevent the spread of the virus.
A father’s call to action: Sharing Locklynn’s story to save lives
Bradley Boler is now on a mission to raise awareness about the flu’s dangers. He hopes that by sharing Locklynn’s harrowing story, he can prevent other families from enduring the same pain. “If one person sees what I’m talking about and decides to take their kid to the doctor, and it saves their life, then I’ve done something important,” he said. “I don’t want this to take anybody else’s babies.” Locklynn’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly the flu can change lives. While the road ahead for Locklynn and her family is uncertain, Bradley remains steadfast in his hope for her recovery and determined to use their experience to make a difference. As he navigates this difficult journey, his courage and advocacy serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance and compassion in the face of life’s unpredictable challenges.
