Liam Dahlberg, an eight-year-old from Indiana, tragically died within hours of catching a rare bacterial infection that quickly developed into deadly meningitis. He had only complained of a headache after school before becoming unresponsive the next day. Doctors discovered the infection had reached his brain and spinal cord, leaving no chance for recovery.

His devastated mother, Ashlee Dahlberg, is now speaking out to raise awareness. Liam’s infection was caused by Haemophilus influenzae (Hib), a dangerous bacterium—not the common flu virus. “Anybody that contracts it usually dies within 24 hours,” she said. Though Liam was vaccinated, doctors suspect he may have been exposed at school by an unvaccinated child.

Pediatrician Dr. Eric Yancy warned that Hib used to cause widespread deaths and disabilities before the vaccine’s introduction in 1985. Vaccination rates have since dropped, making outbreaks more likely.

A GoFundMe page honoring Liam has raised over $54,000. “Liam was kind, sweet, and full of life,” it reads. His mother’s message is clear: “I would never wish this pain on anyone—please, vaccinate your children.”