Penelope Dunn, a cheerful 3-year-old, initially experienced symptoms akin to a common childhood illness. Her parents, Courtney Sherwood and Thomas Dunn, noticed a change when she stopped eating, playing, and struggled to breathe. This prompted concern about a serious condition.
Penelope’s health issues began around Christmas 2025, resembling a typical cold. However, the symptoms persisted. “She started coughing so much at night that she vomited and needed a sick bowl in her bed,” said Courtney.
Her condition deteriorated over the months. Courtney took her to the doctor in May and June due to increasing sickness and weight loss. Penny lost three kilograms in one month. Doctors initially suspected a common illness, treating her with antibiotics and inhalers for persistent coughing. “They found nothing wrong during exams, attributing the cough to asthma,” Courtney explained.
Despite treatments, Courtney remained troubled. “I knew it was serious when she stopped playing and feared eating her favorites to avoid vomiting,” she recalled. Penny’s health worsened, leading to a critical hospital visit on June 29, following seizure-like episodes. She was placed on life support that night.
Doctors diagnosed dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease, and monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, a deadly heart rhythm disorder. Machines supported her heart and lungs as doctors worked to save her life. Despite efforts, Penny’s condition worsened, leading to catastrophic brain damage from oxygen deprivation. She passed away in Courtney’s arms eight days after life support began.
“We still don’t know why Penny’s heart was initially weak because tests are extensive,” Courtney revealed.
Heartbroken, the family considers themselves “lucky” Penny didn’t succumb to a cardiac arrest at home. Courtney seeks answers, wishing Penny’s memory to reflect her personality rather than illness.
Penny was recently an older sister to Bobby and loved dinosaurs. She could count to 30, recite days and months, and displayed endless curiosity. “She was my best friend,” said Courtney. “I deeply miss her voice, her presence, even the tantrums.”
For further information, contact Newsweek editors Sirena Bergman and Emma Lee-Sang.
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