CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md. (DC News Now) — A Prince George’s County family is grieving the loss of their 10-year-old daughter and sister after she contracted the flu and died last month.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 100 children across the country have died from the flu this season – at least two of whom are from Prince George’s County.
One of the students, Minka Greene, attended John Bayne Elementary School in Capitol Heights. In an interview with DC News Now on Tuesday, her family shared their fond memories of her.
“She was like the family’s light. With everybody she met, she’d just say, ‘Hi, I’m Minka!'” her mother, Kymesha White, said.
Minka loved making TikToks, recording podcasts, dancing and playing outside. She became sick at the end of January.
“We noticed her behavior changed because she normally doesn’t get sick. This was like her first time getting sick,” said White.
Minka had not received a flu shot this past season and, after a trip to the emergency room and an initial diagnosis of the flu and a UTI, she was sent home with ibuprofen and told to rest.
Following that first visit, she complained of headaches. After a second trip to the emergency room, she was given fluids and sent home again to rest. What followed, most parents can’t even fathom.
“I heard her screaming, ‘Mommy!’ And I’m like, ‘What’s wrong?’ That’s when she said she couldn’t feel her legs and her feet,” Kymesha White said.
“That was the last time I carried her, the last time I held her in my arms. I will cherish that for the rest of my life,” said her father, David White.
Shortly after arriving at the hospital, Minka stopped breathing. After CPR and other life-saving efforts, doctors told her parents she had no brain activity. After more treatments and waiting to see if her condition improved, her parents had to make an impossible choice.
“We decided we had to let our baby go,” said White. “Advocate for your babies. When they say they’re hurting, tell the doctors.”
Minka’s family is now grieving her loss, including her younger brother, who is remembering her in his own special way.
“I told him that when he looks outside and sees the stars, that’s Minka. He says, ‘Wow, that’s a lot of Minkas out there mom!'” said White.
While the typical flu season is winding down, Prince George’s County is hosting a flu vaccine clinic for students at James Madison Middle School in Upper Marlboro from 1-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12.
