Ashton's Miracle Foundation Remembers Young Flu Victim

WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI — During what started as a typical bout with the flu but ultimately claimed her 6-year-old son Ashton’s life, what sustained Melody Arabo and her family was the kindness of others.

Now, the Arabo family wants to make that Ashton’s legacy with a crowdfunding campaign to seed Ashton’s Miracle Foundation that will repay that kindness to others. Arabo wrote on GoFundMe:

“No one would ever expect a simple flu virus to completely change your life. But while struggling through this terrible illness, we were overwhelmed by the incredible outpouring of prayers, messages, and acts of kindness from thousands of people all across Michigan, around the country, and even many parts of the world.

“People from all walks of life, believers of all different faiths, friends from different stages of our lives, and members of so many different communities, all came together, from near and far, to pray for the healing of our sweet little boy.

“It was astounding to see how a tragic situation could bring so many people together and show the true beauty of empathy and compassion. Ashton taught us so much in his short life, but this final lesson was his greatest. As a way to pay it forward, we have created Ashton’s Miracle Foundation so that we can spread acts of kindness in his honor day after day and year after year. We thank you in advance for your contribution and pledge to use these funds to bring miracles to others in Ashton’s name.”

Ashton, a kindergartner at died on Jan. 25. His death is believed to be the first pediatric flu death in Michigan this year.

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Arabo told the Detroit Free Press that Ashton, two of his siblings and their father all became ill when the flu virus swept through their family’s home. The others recovered, but Ashton developed a high fever, symptoms of pneumonia and a fever.

Ashton attended Keith Elementary School. His mother, a third-grade teacher in the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, was the 2014 Michigan Teacher of the Year.

if you’d like to give to Ashton’s Miracle Foundation, which now stands at nearly $50,500, you may do so below.