A four-year-old girl from Corby, Northamptonshire, is fighting for her life after developing a rare brain condition linked to the flu. Sienna Dunion began showing symptoms in mid-November, including complaints of feeling unusually cold and a mild fever. Her parents, Gary Dunion and Angelina Dunion, initially thought it was a minor ailment, but a sudden deterioration led to an urgent hospital visit.
On November 22, Sienna was rushed to the hospital after her father found her unresponsive at home. Medical professionals placed her in an induced coma as her condition worsened. An MRI scan revealed that she had contracted Acute Necrotising Encephalitis (ANE), a rare but aggressive brain condition that can result from flu or COVID-19 infections. Due to dangerously high lactate levels in her blood, doctors performed emergency surgery, removing 60 percent of her intestines to save her life.
Gary, 41, expressed the profound shock and devastation he and his wife are experiencing. “It’s been horrendous. I can’t comprehend how a really funny, caring, healthy four-year-old three weeks ago goes to this and potentially may never recover,” he said. The family grapples with uncertainty about whether Sienna will regain her ability to walk, talk, or eat after she wakes up.
The onset of Sienna’s symptoms was subtle. Gary recalled taking her out on her scooter, where she quickly complained of feeling cold. Initially, he thought it was merely a cold and treated her with over-the-counter medications. By the time her condition escalated to unconsciousness, he had no idea that it could lead to such a critical state.
After extensive testing, medical staff informed the family that Sienna’s immune system mistakenly attacked her brain, failing to recognize the flu virus as a threat. Gary noted, “There were no signs of the flu. We thought it was a common cold she’s had a thousand times.”
Sienna’s medical journey has just begun, with doctors estimating that she may remain in the hospital for three to six months. Once she is stable, she will require extensive rehabilitation. The family has launched a GoFundMe page to help cover the significant costs of ongoing treatment, which could amount to around £8,000 per week at a specialist neurorehabilitation center.
As they navigate this challenging time, Gary reflects on their decision not to vaccinate Sienna against the flu. He is now an advocate for raising awareness about ANE and the importance of flu vaccinations. “There needs to be some serious medical studies around what the factors are that trigger it,” Gary emphasized, urging parents to consider the risks and benefits of vaccination.
The emotional toll on the family is immense. “It just feels so unfair on Sienna, who’s the most beautiful girl. We don’t understand why this has happened,” Gary shared. He hopes that by raising awareness and funds, he can provide Sienna with the best chance for recovery and help other families avoid similar pitfalls.
With the hope of restoring his daughter’s health, Gary is committed to ensuring that Sienna’s story serves as a reminder of the potential severity of flu-related complications. He urges parents to make informed decisions regarding vaccinations, stating, “The guilt from us is like ‘my god, should we have just vaccinated her?'”
As Sienna continues her battle, Gary remains steadfast in his determination to support her recovery and educate others about the rare condition that has forever changed their lives.
