Richard Engel, NBC News’ senior international reporter, has given some terrible news about his six-year-old son Henry. Sadly, his son has deteriorated, he posted on Twitter.
For everyone following Henry’s story, unfortunately he’s taken a turn for the worse. His condition progressed and he’s developed dystonia: uncontrolled shaking/ stiffness. He was in the hospital for 6 weeks, but is now home and getting love from brother Theo. pic.twitter.com/7atwNPhJ6q
— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) May 31, 2022
Henry has a form of Rett syndrome, a rare neurological illness with no known treatment. Engel and his wife Mary spoke out about their son’s illness in 2018.
Mary remarked at that time, it’s raw and sad and extremely personal but perhaps other individuals will see this and feel a little less alone, and they will too.
While Henry was “born the loveliest and joyful kid,” the parents stated that he was slow to grow. It took numerous trips to several physicians and experts before he was identified with a form of Rett syndrome that is more frequent in females. Rett syndrome patients have decreased development, lost fine motor abilities, and lost the capacity to speak.
Richard explained that it may be really lonely strolling down the street and seeing other kids behaving normally and realizing that his life and our lives will never be like that.
While there is no remedy, therapy involves symptom relief and emotional support. Richard stated that it was really tough for his kid during the peak of the pandemic. He stated that Henry has significant special needs, and COVID has been a nightmare for him and millions of other kids like him.
He went on to say that because everything was shut down for safety concerns, youngsters like Henry were not getting the attention they greatly needed. In Henry’s instance, there were clear indications that the youngster needed medical attention.
Richard explained his tremors, or whole-body shaking, are becoming more noticeable. He is not sure if that’s due to the stress or just the advancement of his ailment.
Richard provided a heartbreaking report on his son’s status on Tuesday. Henry has been in the hospital for six weeks, and they feel he has “taken a turn for the worse.” His health deteriorated, and he acquired dystonia, which is uncontrollable shaking/ rigidity.
Richard uploaded a beautiful video of Henry getting kisses from his younger brother Theo, 2, in his update. He then posted a photo of Henry appreciating all for their encouragement.
