What started as a simple headache turned into a nightmare for Indiana mom Ashlee Dahlberg. Her 8-year-old son, Liam, came home from school feeling unwell—by the next morning, he was unresponsive.

Rushed to the hospital, doctors discovered Liam’s brain and spinal cord were under attack by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), a fast-moving bacterial infection. Though Liam was fully vaccinated, it’s believed he may have contracted it from an unvaccinated child.

Despite doctors’ best efforts, the infection progressed into deadly meningitis. Within 24 hours, there was nothing they could do.

Ashlee held Liam in her arms as his heartbeat faded. “I did everything right. But I couldn’t save him,” she said through tears.

Now, she’s turning her grief into purpose—warning other parents not to skip vaccinations. “Please, vaccinate your children. I don’t want another parent to feel this pain.”

A GoFundMe has raised over $54,000 to support the family, honoring Liam as a bright, kind soul who “brought joy to everyone he met.”