The Engels got in touch with Zoghbi, whos been researching the disease for many years. 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. "Researchers are making amazing progress using Henrys cells to help cure RETT Syndrome so others dont have to endure this terrible disease," Engel added on Thursday, sharing a link where donors could support research at the Texas Children's Hospital. The doctors are still using his preserved cells for research. Henry, who was born in September 2015, was just an infant when his parents first realized he was not reaching developmental milestones, according to a tribute for Henry on theTexas Children's Hospital website. Were excited, nervous and thankful.". 13,615, This story has been shared 13,572 times. "To parents with typically developing children, a little Dada may not seem like a big deal. the doctor wrote in a tribute to her little patient. We always surrounded him with love and he returned it, and so much more," Engel wrote alongside a sweet photo of his son. [20] The same year he toured and reported on the city of Mogadishu, Somalia, for a segment titled "The World's Most Dangerous City", for which he would receive a News and Documentary Emmy Award nomination. Henry interacted with the world through sight, sound, and touch. This is how we will honor his life.". He never gave up.". NBC's Richard Engel and wife Marry Forrest welcome second son - USA Today According to Zoghbi, Henry left a lasting impression on the entire Duncan NRI team and their ongoing Rett research. "A single devastating typo in his genetic code robbed him of the ability to walk, talk and control his body. "Life has twists, turns and new beginnings,'' Engel wrote. Most Facebook users can now claim settlement money. Richard Engel honors late son on his 7th birthday - Page Six He had the softest blue eyes, an easy smile and a. Engel spent one summer as an unpaid intern at CNN Business News in New York City. [15] Engel worked for ABC News as a freelance journalist during the initial invasion of Iraq by U.S. forces. His loving and endearing smile, and the way he connected with his eyes, stole my heart from the time I met him. We will continue to push as hard as possible to develop treatments. Engel opened up on the "Today" show in Marchwith an emotional essayabout his first son, Henry, finally saying "Dada" after being diagnosedwith Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disorder that leads to severe physical and cognitive impairments. The Duncan NRI's Founding Director Dr. Huda Zoghbi studied Henry's mutation closely. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Engel also talked about his wife and son's strength. Many of Engels colleagues, including Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie, honored the young boys sweet spirit following his tragic death. 2022, NY Press Club Awards, Documentary National TV & Feature Reporting National TV. Engel and his wife, Mary Forrest, welcomed Henry in September 2015 and their second son, Theo, in August 2019. Richard Engel's Younger Son, 1, Takes His First Steps as Big Brother Henry Is 'Cheering' Him On. Richard's age is 48.He has short brown hair and brown eyes, his height is 6ft (1.85m) and he weighs around 175lbs (80kgs). Henry and his parents appeared on "Today" in 2018 to discuss the devastating illness and how they were handling it, as well as the potential for future treatments. ", "His condition progressed and he's developed dystonia: uncontrolled shaking/ stiffness," he shared. Richard Engel's son died of Rett syndrome. His cells may help find a Here's how. Thank you everyone for all the kind messages, from Henry, our Mr. Handsome, he wrote in the caption. You hold a baby like Theo and hes wriggling, he told People in 2019. The award-winning Engel has been with NBC News since 2003 and became its chief foreign correspondent in 2008. [They] really worked very hard to protect him and give him physical therapy so that he could be as functional as possible, she said, adding that many boys with Rett syndrome die by age 2. Richard Engel Shares Photo Of Late Son Henry On 7th Birthday - Yahoo News We were hoping (Henry) would grow out of it. Richard Engel Gives Update on Son Henry amid Coronavirus Pandemic - People "No matter what's coming, we want Henry to know he's loved," Richard Engel said in the segment. [31] He spent years covering what he often describes as one of the most important stories of his generation, the Iraq War. He had the softest blue eyes, an easy smile and a contagious giggle, the NBC News chief foreign correspondent tweeted Thursday morning. We don't want any other child to lose their life. I cant imagine a child who is showered with more love. "Our beloved son Henry passed away. Henry had been treated at Texas Children's Hospital's Duncan Neurological Research Institute since 2018. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Savannah Guthrie has shared a touching tribute to NBC News chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel's son, Henry after he died from Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, at age six. Fox says Parkinson's battle getting 'harder': 'I'm not gonna be 80', Padma Lakshmi claps back at trolls: 'I have boobs, I have nipples', Kendall Jenner rocks sheer top, fur mini skirt for date night with Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus mom, Tish Cyrus, engaged to Prison Break star Dominic Purcell, Fans confused over Lala Kent, Ariana Madixs White House dinner appearance, Woman has 'loud and full body orgasm' during LA Philharmonic concert. The NBC News chief foreign correspondent, 48, shared the heartbreaking news on Twitter Thursday. As a geneticist and researcher, Zoghbi also values the moment when Henry met her team of students and scientists researching a cure for Rett syndrome. . In her free time, she enjoys traveling, watching bad reality TV and consuming copious amounts of cookiedough. We will keep fighting for you.". And now Henry is a big brother, too.". By Chloe Govan 17:50, Sat, Oct 1, 2022 | UPDATED: 17:52, Sat, Oct . [28] Engel covered all major milestones of the war, including the first free Iraqi election and the capture, trial, and execution of Saddam Hussein. He was so hardworking and he had to do so much that a child should have to necessarily have to do. Many of the people who work in the lab were also devastated by Henrys passing, but they were quick to tell Zoghbi, Were going to continue to work. At the end of May, Engel had tweeted a video of Henry, writing that he had "taken a turn for the worse. [14] He graduated from Stanford in 1996 with a B.A. We always surrounded him with love and he returned it, and so much more. The kids would come up and kiss him, tussle his hair and bring him toys, Engel shared. He can't feed himself efficiently. Richard Engel Gives Update on Son Henry amid Coronavirus Pandemic Celebrity Parents Richard Engel Reveals Coronavirus Lockdown Has Been a 'Nightmare' for Son with Rett Syndrome Richard. ", RELATED VIDEO: Richard Engel Announces Death of 'Beloved' 6-Year-Old Son Henry. [citation needed] Having escaped after five days in captivity, Engel said he believed that a Shabiha group loyal to al-Assad was behind the abduction, and that the crew was freed by the Ahrar al-Sham group five days later. ", Researchers are making amazing progress using Henrys cells to help cure RETT Syndrome so others dont have to endure this terrible disease. [14] He first lived in a ramshackle seven-story walk-up, learned Egyptian Arabic and worked as a freelance reporter in Cairo for four years. In April 2008, Engel became Chief Foreign Correspondent of NBC News. His quiet fight against this terrible disease was incredible. [17], In 2009, Engel was stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan, covering the country's August presidential election. Terms of Use This disorder, which has no cure, causes a progressive loss of motor skills and language. The syndrome is a rare genetic disorder with no known cure that prevented Henry from developing in the long term. His condition progressed and hes developed dystonia: uncontrolled shaking/ stiffness. "This is Theos first chapter, and a new one for our family. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "Henry was special in so many ways," Zoghbi wrote. Richard Engel announced the death of his 6-year-old son Henry after his years-long battle with Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disorder. "Our beloved son Henry passed away. When theyre working in the lab, theyre always thinking about him, she said. We always surrounded him with love and he returned it, and so much more. The fundraiser page notes that Henry died on Aug. 9, 2022. In June, Engel said Henry had taken a turn for the worse, developing dystonia, characterized by shaking and stiffness. You see a child who is helpless and who is sweet, and hes connecting with you, but he really is suffering from this disease. Richard Engel has become an advocate for his son PeopleTV/YouTube Richard Engel and Mary Forrest's eldest son, Henry, suffers from a rare genetic condition called Rett syndrome, which. [34][35] In 2008, Engel interviewed U.S. Army General David Petraeus on the progress of the Iraq War and discussed the policies the general attributed to the recent successes in Iraq. And you see him how hes struggling to really do the best he can so he can move, so he can gain some strength to crawl or do something., You feel the pain of Rett syndrome, and I felt that pain with so many patients before him, she continued. Richard Engel, NBC News' chief foreign correspondent, shared sad news Thursday that his 6-year-old son Henry has died. [2] Before joining NBC in May 2003, Engel reported on the start of the 2003 war in Iraq for ABC News as a freelance journalist in Baghdad. Savannah Guthrie shares sweet tribute in honour of Richard Engel's late son After a series of medical exams and a genetic test, doctors discovered that he had a mutation in his MECP2 gene. He nonetheless has drawn attention for being the son of Richard Engel, a multi-award-winning TV personality. [76] They have two sons: Henry, born in September 2015, and Theodore, born in August 2019. We always surrounded him with love and he returned it, and so much more. He was in the hospital for 6 weeks, but is now home and getting love from brother Theo.. [38][39][40], Engel reported on Firebase Restrepo and the soldiers of Viper Company stationed in the Korengal where he showed the fierce firefights taking place between U.S. soldiers and Taliban forces. [38][39][40] Engel produced "Tip of the Spear", a series of NBC reports on the hardships and dangers faced by American soldiers, for which he won a 2008 George Foster Peabody Award. This story has been shared 13,615 times. Engel shared the heartbreaking news on Twitter last August. Richard Engel's son Henry dead at age 6 after battling neurological disorder By Francesca Bacardi August 18, 2022 | 11:34am Richard Engel announced the heartbreaking news that his son. Mary and Richard," Engel wrote on Twitter. The mutation causes Rett syndrome, "a disorder that typically affects girls after their first birthday, robbing them of learned skills and leaving them with cognitive deficits, loss of speech, and a variety of motor difficulties," the hospital said. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. NBC News' Richard Engel says his 6-year-old son, Henry, has died Engel, 48, shared earlier this summer that Henrys condition took a turn for the worse after developing dystonia, a movement disorder in which your muscles contract involuntarily, causing repetitive or twisting movements, per the Mayo Clinic. His reporting helped expose the role Egyptian labor strikes and worker protests played in the coup against Mubarak. Through a genetic test, doctors learned he had a mutation to his MECP2 gene. 13,572, This story has been shared 12,221 times. Longtime NBC News foreign correspondent Richard Engel announced Thursday that his 6-year-old son Henry had died after a lifelong battle with a rare brain disorder. Richard Engel shares heartbreaking update about son Henry - Yahoo News 9,366, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved 3 min read. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, In May 2006, he assumed his role as senior Middle East correspondent and Beirut bureau chief. "Our beloved son Henry passed away. Everything to Know About Bruce Willis' Diagnosis, One Year into Ukraine War, NBC's Richard Engel Shares Insights from the Ground: 'Still in the Early Phases', their late son, his disease and the new balcony dedicated to his memory. Richard Engel paid tribute to his late son, Henry, who would have turned 7 years old on Thursday. The NBC News chief foreign correspondent paid tribute to his son Henry, who died last month from a neurological disorder, on what would have been his 7th birthday. ", Sophie Reardon is a News Editor at CBS News. In March 2011, Engel was caught in an artillery strike while interviewing fighters during a rebel advancement towards former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's forces outside the city of Ajdabiya. Dr. Zoghbi and Henry from a 2019 TODAY segment. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Nonetheless, he interacts . The TODAY regular shared a link to a memorial page on the Texas Children's Hospital website, which offered more details on Henry's life and his battle with Rett syndrome, a genetic brain disorder without a treatment or cure. Richard and Mary Engel, with son Henry on Wednesday, October 3, 2018. He will always be with us, even now hes hard at work to help other children whose lives are more difficult than they should be, the NBC News chief foreign correspondent said on TODAY. [52] In April 2015, NBC had to revise the kidnapping account, following further investigations by The New York Times, who had conducted several dozen interviews, suggesting that the NBC team "was almost certainly taken by a Sunni criminal element affiliated with the Free Syrian Army," rather than by a loyalist Shia group. [3] He speaks and reads Arabic fluently and is fluent in Italian and Spanish. ", Richard Engel opens up about touching milestone for son who has Rett syndrome, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Rett syndrome: Meet the doctor trying to create a cure. I'd add more colorful adjectives, but you get the point," wrote Engel, adding that Henry, who was 4 at the time, "doesn't walk or talk. "It was a long time coming, which made it all the sweeter an unexpected reward," he wrote. After developing dystonia, uncontrollable shaking and muscle contractions, his underlying health conditions got much worse, and soon, "it was too much," Engel said. TODAY remembers Richard Engels beloved 6-year-old son, Henry, According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 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"Our beloved son Henry. ", "We have a vendetta against the syndrome and we want to cure it," Forrest said about the disease. It was an exciting Labor Day at Richard Engel's house. 9,366, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved "Henry had no bad qualities. [77][78] Henry Engel was born with Rett syndrome, a genetic disorder that is extremely rare in males; he died in August 2022 at age 6. He had a tremor. "Our beloved son Henry. "He had . 2019, Edward R Murrow Award for Continuing Coverage, Network News. Richard and Mary Engel, with son Henry on Wednesday, October 3, 2018. [5][6] His father, Peter, a former Goldman Sachs financier, and mother Nina, who ran an antiques store, feared for their son's future prospects because of his dyslexia. Richard Engel - Wikipedia And with a smile. The NBC News chief foreign correspondent said his son, who has a rare genetic disorder, has "taken a turn for the worse. Mary and Richard.. I care about all of them.. NBC News' Richard Engel's son Henry dies at age 6 - FOX 29 News We always surrounded him with love and he returned it, and so much more. In the later essay, Engel shared that he "finally got a 'Dada'" from his son. Richard is 49 years old. The news of Henrys passing came just months after Engel revealed his sons health had taken a turn for the worse., For everyone following Henrys story, unfortunately, hes taken a turn for the worse, the NBC News correspondenttweeted back in June. "To parents with typically developing children, a little Dada may not seem like a big deal," he wrote. ", Our beloved son Henry passed away. [51], Engel's account was however challenged from early on, with Jamie Dettmer of The Daily Beast citing unnamed sources, who believed Engel and his team had been kidnapped by rogue rebel groups opposed to Assad. It was a long time coming, which made it all the sweeter an unexpected reward, Engel wrote in a 2019 essay for TODAY. And neither did Henry. Richard Engelhas some personal news to report. We always surrounded him with love and he returned it, and so much more. Richard Engel Biography. His quiet fight against this terrible disease was incredible," the doctor wrote in a tribute to her little patient. Our beloved son Henry passed away. Richard Engel (NBC News) Salary, Son, Wife. What is he doing? It was really amazing watching them work as a team, Zoghbi said. Thats really my last memory during his last visit., This is the memory Ill always hold dear because he reacted to the books we gave him and the toys. Nope, none. Zero. Fox says Parkinson's battle getting 'harder': 'I'm not gonna be 80', Padma Lakshmi claps back at trolls: 'I have boobs, I have nipples', Kendall Jenner rocks sheer top, fur mini skirt for date night with Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus mom, Tish Cyrus, engaged to Prison Break star Dominic Purcell, Fans confused over Lala Kent, Ariana Madixs White House dinner appearance, Woman has 'loud and full body orgasm' during LA Philharmonic concert. NBC News chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel has shared some sad news about the health of his 6-year-old son, Henry. ", "His loving and endearing smile, and the way he connected with his eyes, stole my heart from the time I met him," Zoghbi said in a statement. By studying Henrys cells several years ago, she learned that Henrys mutation affected the function of the MECP2 gene in such a way that it caused an important protein for brain development to be produced at lower levels. Engel has shared updates on Henry over the years, writing essays in 2018 and 2019 about both the joys and heartbreaks the family experienced. NBC News presenter Richard Engel has penned a tender tribute to his young son, a month on from his tragic death at six years old. He attributed his attraction to journalism as "the prospect of learning about new subjects and having the privilege of riding the train of history rather than watching it pass". Henry Engel: Truth About Richard Engel's Son And His Rare - JukeBugs Then we realized it was a genetic condition, and hes not going to get over it.. I worked 16 years to find the (MECP2) gene. "For everyone following Henry's story, unfortunately, he's taken a turn for the worse," the journalist captioned the touching clip. Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie brought to tears as NBC's Richard Engel and He was born in the United States on September 16, 1973, in New York City. [citation needed], Engel worked as the Middle East correspondent for The World, a joint production of BBC World Service, Public Radio International (PRI) and WGBH from 200103. in international relations. "But Henry's journey continues. Tributes and condolences poured in for Engel on Twitter after he shared the heartbreaking news. He was in the hospital for 6 weeks, but is now home and getting love from brother Theo," he wrote on Twitter at the time. Thanks for contacting us. NBC News chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel has shared some sad news about the health of his 6-year-old son, Henry. "He had the softest blue eyes, an easy smile and a contagious giggle. "For everyone following Henry's story, unfortunately he's taken a. Henry was born with a variation of Rett syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that starts with normal early development, which then starts to slow usually around 6 to 18 months of age, causing loss of use of the hands, problems with walking and intellectual disability, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. "But my wife Mary and I she was the main caregiver never quit for a moment. Richard Engel Opens Up About Son's Battle with Rett Syndrome - People You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! He was also unlucky, born with a rare genetic disease called Rett Syndrome.". [48][49], On December 13, 2012, Engel and his five crew members, Aziz Akyava, Ghazi Balkiz, John Kooistra, Ian Rivers and Ammar Cheikh Omar, were abducted in Syria. In a 2019 essay about his family, the proud father gushed about an important milestone Henry had just met. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Henry would have turned 7 today, Engel, 49, tweeted Thursday, alongside a photo of Henry. Engel had been open about his son's condition and updated the public at times about Henry. NBC's Richard Engel shares update on son with special needs - Today He has this smile that he looks at you youll see it in the pictures posted on the web and naturally, you fall in love with him, she told "TODAY." On August 18, 2022, he tweeted, "Our beloved son Henry passed away. "We lost our son, our Henry. Engel opened up on the "Today" show in March with an emotional essay about his first son, Henry, finally saying "Dada" after being diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological. "His loving and endearing smile, and the way he connected with his eyes, stole my heart from the time I met him. She believes Henrys cells could be the key to finding a cure for the illness, which causes severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of the childs life: their ability to speak, walk, eat, and even breathe easily,according to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. "Our beloved son Henry passed away. At age 13, he joined a wilderness survival camp where he learned about leadership and how to be more independent. He was in the hospital for 6 weeks, but is now home and getting love from brother Theo, he shared. He was 6 years old. Engel shared an update on Henry's health in May, noting that his condition had "progressed" and he had "taken a turn for the worse.". But for me it was a validation, an acknowledgement that hes in there, knows me, knows that his mother and I are forces for good in his life, and above all, that he loves us.. Born in September 2015 . That would be a dream. This is how we will honor his life, the doctor continued. "His condition progressed and he's developed dystonia: uncontrolled shaking/ stiffness.". ", In another tweet on Thursday, Engel said: "Researchers are making amazing progress using Henry's cells to help cure RETT Syndrome so others don't have to endure this terrible disease.