06/28/09: Buffalo Girl Maya Harden Second H1N1 Fatality

Original YNN Buffalo Air Date: 06/28/09
“We were like cousins, like sisters and everything. So I don’t know why it had to happen to Maya,” said a tearful Ajanae Harris remembering her best friend Maya Harden. Nine year old Maya is the second H-1-N-1 related death in Erie County.
“She’s wonderful. She’s a wonderful cool person that I could hang out with every single day,” added Harris. But Maya’s days on earth were cut short. The Buffalo pre-teen was treated at Woman and Children’s Hospital alongside fellow swine flu patient and True Bethel church friend Matthew Davis.
“We knew they had a kindship a brother and sisterhood Matthew and Maya. She would say ok Matthew you can do it and he would say ok Maya you can do it,” said Maya’s mother Akea Hollingsworth.
But Maya and Matthew never made it, Matthew passed on week before Maya.
The Charles Drew Magnet School student developed the swine flu, MRSA and finally pneumonia. Saturday, Maya’s mother had to make the tough decision to take her daughter off life support.
“She was gone, her heart stopped. It wasn’t even five minutes. So she was ready. And now she’s with the Lord now. She’s and angel with Matthew,” said Hollingsworth with tears in her eyes.
“She looked so peaceful and restful like she knew it was her time,” said Julious Grooms. He says he protected Maya like the brother she never had and hoped to see her grow into a young lady.
“As a baby she was just something. But as she grew into her own. Wow people used to love that little girl,” said Hollingsworth about her only child.
Maya’s mother says her daughter was a “rock star” who loved acting, singing and dancing. Family members say Maya’s gone to be with God probably even dancing with pop legend Michel Jackson in heaven.
“Yeah so I guess they’re moon walking up there. I said he may not even have to teach her to moonwalk since she’s a good dancer,” smiled Hollingsworth.