FLORISSANT, Mo. – A Florissant mother is grieving after losing her 12-year-old daughter to the flu. Tylajah Cooper died at Children’s Hospital on Monday.

Cooper’s mother, Jaime Thomas, says she’s devastated and never imagined she’d have to bury one of her children.

“I just wish I could save my baby, because I miss her so bad,” Thomas said.

The passing of Tylajah has left a young mother and her grieving family with only pictures. Those pictures feature a girl full of life, always donning a beaming smile.

“She was so funny, and beautiful, and cool,” Thomas said. “She was a great big sister.”

Thomas says Tylajah was her best friend, a free spirit wise beyond her years. She was also a great student, big sister and friend.

“That was all just ripped away from me,” she said.

Thomas said it all happened so fast. Tylajah started feeling sick on Friday with mild flu-like symptoms. Her mother took her to the hospital on Saturday, but her symptoms got progressively worse.

By Monday, she was gone.

According to the St. Louis County Public Health Department, influenza cases are on the rise in the county, with 1,300 new cases last week alone.

Tylajah’s family is stunned by her passing. They are also in a desperate financial situation and are unable to pay for her funeral expenses. A Go-Fund-Me fundraiser has been created in hopes of giving Tylajah a proper send-off.

“She was a true princess, definitely too good for this cruel world,” Thomas said. “Please help me lay my baby to rest.”

To donate to Tylajah’s family fundraiser, click here.