A Father’s Urgent Warning: The Battle to Save Sienna Dunion

Four-year-old Sienna Dunion’s world changed in a matter of days. From a playful, healthy child full of life to fighting for her survival in an induced coma, the transformation was shocking and heartbreaking for her family.

What began as a simple, seemingly innocent complaint — a slight fever and feeling cold — soon spiraled into something far more dangerous. Doctors diagnosed Sienna with Acute Necrotising Encephalitis (ANE), a rare and aggressive brain condition triggered by the flu.

As Sienna’s condition rapidly deteriorated, she became unresponsive and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. In a desperate bid to save her life, doctors performed emergency surgery, removing 60% of her intestines to prevent further damage. But the surgery came with its own set of fears. Now, her parents are grappling with the terrifying possibility that their little girl may never walk, talk, or laugh again.

Her parents are speaking out not just to raise awareness about ANE, but to urge other parents to never ignore the smallest symptoms. “Don’t overlook what seems like a simple illness,” her father warned. “What starts small can turn into something life-threatening very quickly.”

Sienna’s parents are living proof of how quickly a child’s health can take a devastating turn, and they want to ensure that other families don’t go through the same anguish. It’s a painful lesson that could save lives — paying attention to the smallest of symptoms can make all the difference.