Washington Redskins cheerleader suffers disability from flu shot vaccination

Desiree Jennings was an avid runner and
Redskins cheerleader before suffering a
debilitating reaction to a flu shot. Photo/DJ

As the Washington Redskins take the field to battle Denver at home for Sunday's game, one of their own fights for her life.

After getting a seasonal 2009 flu vaccine, former Redskins cheerleader, Desiree "Des" Jennings suffered a severe reaction to the shot that left her debilitated.

Over several weeks following the shot, Jennings lost the ability to walk or talk normally and suffered aggressive seizures and weekly blackouts.

After being misdiagnosed several times, physician Dr. Rashid A. Buttar diagnosed Des with a number of conditions including but not limited to Acute, Viral Post Immunization Encephalopathy and Mercury Toxicity with secondary respiratory and neurological deficits.

After her story caught the media's attention, Des also garnered attention from celebrity couple Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey. The duo, who founded Generation Rescue, decided to step in and help Desiree get the treatments she needs.

Through ongoing support, spreading awareness and consistent treatments provided by Generation Rescue, Jennings has retrieved the ability to walk and talk normally and the seizures have decreased. It's unknown the amount of time it will take Jennings to recover or resume her normal activities.

She still continues to serve as aWashington Redskins Cheerleader Ambassador and is hoping to spread her story in order to educate the public on "informed consent" - "Knowing what you're getting into with any medical procedure," Desiree writes on her site.

"Each day is a battle to control the symptoms triggered by the flu vaccine and a reminder that my life will never be the same," she adds. "I set up [www.desireejennings.com] to tell my story and warn people of the neurological side effects than can result from vaccinations," she writes on the site.

Adding, "I hope everyone that reads my story will heed my warning and think very carefully, including seeking out consultations with your family doctor, before making the decision to receive a vaccination."

You can catch updates on Jennings' health status and check out her blog by clicking here. (Photo/FOX-DC)