It’s very common for kids to come down with the flu, but when Alexis “Lexi” May was diagnosed with Influenza A in February 2025, her parents had no idea then that their 15-year-old daughter would need life support to survive.
A day after a flu diagnosis, Lexi’s parents realized she was getting worse and rushed her to their local ER. The hospital in Covington, Virginia determined that Lexi’s kidneys had shut down and she was in septic shock. To get her the care she needed, they worked to locate a hospital with a pediatric nephrologist, which is a doctor who specializes in treating kidney conditions. Covington is in the far western part of the state, but when the closest hospital with the expertise Lexi needed was full, and when CHoR was suggested, our pediatric intensive care unit had one bed left. Lexi’s mom saw that as a sign.
“It was exactly where we were meant to be,” remembered Michelle.
The highest level of expert care
Covington is hours away from CHoR and winter weather wouldn’t allow Lexi to be life-flighted to Richmond. That meant an ambulance was needed to transport Lexi the178 miles to our PICU, but when she got here, our team was ready.
“She had a team of doctors waiting for her when we arrived,” Michelle recalled. “By that time, her heart was only functioning at 12%, she was put on a ventilator and ECMO for 5 very long touch-and-go days.”
Dr. Duane Williams, our chief of critical care medicine, (or Dr. D as he is affectionately called by his patients), says influenza can affect patients differently, but a case this serious can occur, but is rare.
“It is not always known why some patients become so sick,” explained Dr. Williams. “Especially those who were previously healthy. Her case was particularly severe because not only her lungs, but her heart was affected.”
Overcoming multiple organ failure
The wait was long, but Lexi showed steady improvement each and every day. Dr. Williams said her determination was a huge part of her recovery.
“She was a force! Her desire to get better and her resilience was very evident,” remembered Dr. Williams. “Just witnessing how hard she fought and how willing she was to do all that was asked of her was remarkable. Sometimes I felt like we needed to slow her down. That’s the wonderful part of taking care of kids, they just look to push their limits.”
Lexi’s mom saw that determination too.
“She worked so hard and surprised all her doctors by being discharged 14 days later,” Michelle recalled proudly, but said she is still in awe of the providers who helped Lexi recover. “The care we received was outstanding from all the doctors and nurses Lexi had. I truly believe God put those doctors directly in our path and they saved my daughter’s life.”
But Dr. Williams said Lexi and her parents did the hard part.
“This family was very far from home, and what they were told about us is that we were a children’s hospital very far away in Virginia,” he explained. “Yet they trusted us with their child and Lexi trusted us. To see her improve and experience some of her unique personality while she was with us and then witness her ability to be safely discharged with a smile on her face, was so rewarding. It is a gift to have the ability to serve families in this way.”
Lexi’s social worker, Joe Roberts, felt the exact same way after getting to know the Mays as he supported them through a very tough 2 weeks.
“Lexi is one of the most fearless patients I have ever had the privilege of working with,” remembered Joe. “Her family told us from the beginning how strong she was, but they showed amazing strength and courage as well. They remained champions for her throughout her recovery and have been great at keeping us updated even after she was discharged. It was an honor to have the opportunity to work with such an exceptional young lady and her family.”
Looking ahead to major milestones 
Now Lexi spends her time doing the things that a typical teenager enjoys, like doing her makeup, taking a good nap and spending time with family and friends. But one thing not so typical? She is on track to graduate high school a year early at the age of 16, just after getting her driver’s license.
“I truly believe God has big plans for Lexi,” shared Michelle. “Her life was spared for a reason. This ordeal has taught us not to sweat the small stuff, each day isn’t promised, and I wake up each day and thank God he let my baby girl live.”