NBC News foreign correspondent Richard Engel has lost his 6-year-old son, Henry, following a years-long battle with Rett syndrome.
Henry was diagnosed with the condition in 2017. The disorder impacts the brain's development and function and causes a "progressive loss of motor skills and language."
Richard wrote a memorial for his son that was shared on the Texas Children's Hospital's website. It reads in part, "Our beloved son Henry passed away. He had the softest blue eyes, an easy smile and a contagious giggle. We always surrounded him with love and he returned it, and so much more."
He added that Henry will hopefully help other children who have the condition. "Researchers are making amazing progress using Henry's cells to help cure RETT Syndrome so others don't have to endure this terrible disease."
Richard shared that his son's health was deteriorating back in May 2022. In a video clip he explained, "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."
You can find out more about Henry's life in the video below.
