Second in a series of comic books shares the true story of 10-year-old Flint boy, Kaden Stevenson and other survivors of vaccine preventable diseases
On Wednesday, September 23, Families Fighting Flu, in cooperation with the University of Michigan-Flint and Play Beyond Boundaries, will preview the newest edition in a series of comic books featuring superhero flu fighter Kaden Blaze.
Kaden and a new team of flu fighters will take on his arch enemy—the Flu Bug– as they travel the world to keep people safe from the flu and encourage vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older.
Kaden Blaze and his flu fighting partners will preview the newest comic book “Kaden Blaze Meets the Flu Fighters” at the UM-Flint campus. The comic book will be available for pre-order in both English and Spanish. Shipping is anticipated to begin in early October.
Play Beyond Boundaries, a collaboration between UM-Flint’s College of Innovation & Technology and College of Health Sciences, has played an important part of Kaden’s superhero journey. After a plea on social media from Kaden’s mom, Michele, University students, faculty and staff voluntarily retrofitted Kaden’s superhero vehicle for his use after his amputations due to complications from the flu. Since then, nearly 20 other children with disabilities have worked with the team at UM-Flint to build and adapt ride on vehicles.
Families Fighting Flu launched the Kaden Blaze comic book series in 2025.
Kaden was hospitalized at age 7 when his flu symptoms turned very serious. In the hospital at the same time as Kaden was another little boy—a 5-year-old who also had the flu. Unfortunately, the other little boy didn’t survive. Kaden told his mom he must have superpowers because he survived the flu—and he wanted to use his superpowers to keep other kids from getting as sick as he did.
The idea for Kaden Blaze, superhero and flu fighter was born.
In the latest edition, Kaden and other flu fighters from around the country team up to defeat Flu Bug. Kaden also makes a new friend with fellow amputee, who lost limbs due to another vaccine preventable disease.
A vaccine clinic will be held from 10am-11:30am for students and the general public in the same location.
WHO: Kaden Blaze and his team of flu fighters
Members of the University of Michigan Flint community
Sheldon Neeley, Mayor of Flint
WHERE: University of Michigan at Flint
University Pavillion, Genesee Room
303 Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502
WHEN: Wednesday, September 23rd 10am-1130a
(10am Kaden Blaze press event; 10a-1130a vaccine clinic. BOTH EVENTS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)
