Destiny Mojica always had a smile on her face. She loved baking, had a soft spot for animals and could often be found perfecting her makeup and nails. Though she could be shy at first, she enjoyed helping others and her radiant personality shined once you got to know her.
Destiny was a "healthy, loving and active 16 year old," her aunt Yesenia Mojica-Santillan told USA TODAY.
When Destiny developed a cough and congestion in December 2024, her family thought little of it. She was a typical teenager and colds in the winter were hardly uncommon.
But after a few weeks, more symptoms developed − she felt weak, lightheaded and her face was swelling. It was the flu, and it eventually took Destiny's life months later in May 2025.
Now, her family and other parents who lost healthy kids to the flu are sharing their stories in the hopes of warning others as the flu surges this season. The current strain of the flu has resulted in record-high hospitalizations and thousands of deaths, including at least 32 pediatric deaths so far. Last year, pediatric deaths reached nearly 300.
