A Melbourne mother-of-three has tragically lost her life after a three-week battle with the flu and pneumonia.
Neonatal nurse Tenille Smith first developed flu symptoms on her 40th birthday and thought the sickness would pass.
But as The Age reports, Ms Smith collapsed at home within days from the flu and pneumonia and was rushed to the Northern Hospital.
The 40-year-old’s condition continued to worsen, but she held on for one more day with the aim of donating her kidneys.
Her father, Gary Seamer, told the Herald Sun his daughter “gave everything she had to the end”.
“She stayed alive, in agony, for an extra day so that her kidneys would be in a healthier state,” he explained.
“We are devastated right now but her legacy of giving back and helping others will not be forgotten”.
On October 27, Ms Smith died in hospital, leaving behind her husband Tim Smith and three children.
Following the devastating news, her father encouraged all Australians to get any flu symptoms checked by a GP.
A GoFundMe page has also been created to raise money for Ms Smith’s family.
“Tenille touched the hearts of and meant so much to many people and will be greatly missed. She spent her life with a contagious smile and loving heart,” the page reads.
“As the family mourns over this tremendously sad tragedy, in place of sending flowers to the family or the service we would rather you put the money towards what Tennille loved and cared for the most, her bright and beautiful children.”
You can donate to the GoFundMe page here.
