Spokane Boy, 4, Fighting For Life After Catching Flu

SPOKANE, WA -- Before being diagnosed with the flu in early February, Levi Kimberling was your typical child: energetic and curious. But now the Spokane 4-year-old is fighting for his life at Sacred Heart Medical Center.

Levi is one of tens of thousands of victims of the country's current flu epidemic. In Washington state, more than 100 people have died from the flu.

Levi began feeling ill on Feb. 2 and was taken to the hospital after his fever spiked, according to a GoFundMe campaign created for his family.

"They did a chest X-ray and knew something was up they could see infection to the point his entire left lung was engulfed in bad stuff," the GoFundMe page said. "He was moved Sunday afternoon to PICU he was given a chest tube and it pulled out a lowly 10cc which we were thrilled with."

More than a month later, Levi is still battling the illness. In the latest update posted on GoFundMe, Levi's "lungs gave out and collapsed."

The GoFundMe page asks the public to help fundraise for his family as Levi's parents aim to stay by his side throughout his hospital stay.

"Please continue to pray and send your positive vibes to our little boy and to our SHMC PICU staff as they are living the nightmare with us all," the webpage said.

--Photo via GoFundMe/GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner