UPDATE: New Details Emerge in Henry’s Fight for Recovery

I wanted to send an update for those of you praying for 10-year-old Henry Dolan and his family, as Henry has been going through one of the biggest fights of his life.

This is an update on what Henry has endured over the last few days.

SINCE LAST WEEK...

Since the last time we reported on Henry, he was facing yet another difficult hurdle in his fight for recovery, and his family's latest updates reveal just how emotionally and physically exhausting the journey has become.

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After a complicated surgery, a heart procedure, and an attempt to remove his breathing tube, Henry went back on a ventilator. At the same time, doctors treated a bacterial infection in his right lung. His family has been sharing updates through the Hope for Henry Charles Facebook page, asking for continued prayers as the family navigates one day at a time.

A FRIGHTENING EVENING FOR HENRY AND HIS FAMILY

In an update over the weekend, his mother described sitting at Henry's bedside until 2 a.m., trying to comfort her frightened son.

Doctors had attempted to remove Henry's breathing tube, and for a short time, he was able to communicate more easily with his family. His throat was sore, and his voice was weak, so his mom often had to read his lips and listen carefully to understand him.

Henry struggled to understand what had happened to his body. He was so frightened that he did not want to close his eyes or fall asleep, afraid he might die if he did.

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DIFFICULT DECISIONS

His mother stayed beside him, repeatedly reassuring him that she was there, that he was safe, and that she would not let anyone hurt him. She hoped his lungs would improve enough to avoid another breathing tube. Sadly, that did not happen. At approximately 2:30 a.m., doctors decided to reinsert the tube.

She described the experience as heartbreaking, sharing how painful it was to watch her son suffer and feel unable to take away his fear. After hours of trying to comfort Henry, she reached a breaking point herself.

For a mother, watching a child endure that kind of fear and uncertainty is an unimaginable experience. I'm sure there are many mothers and fathers out there who have been through a similar situation.

DOCTORS FIND BACTERIA

During the procedure to reinsert Henry's breathing tube, doctors performed a bronchoscopy to examine his airways and remove a significant amount of mucus from his right lung. They then cleaned the area and sent samples for testing.

The results showed bacteria in the mucus, and Henry is, or was, receiving antibiotics to treat the infection.

The plan was to keep Henry sedated through the weekend.

OTHER EVENTS....

Two days ago, Henry underwent a septostomy in the catheterization laboratory. The procedure creates or enlarges an opening between the heart's two upper chambers to help relieve pressure in certain serious cardiac conditions.

Henry was back in his room by 11 a.m. and remained relatively stable throughout the day, although he needed another blood transfusion. His family was encouraged by his progress, and doctors decided to try removing his breathing tube.

Unfortunately, Henry's breathing difficulties and fluid buildup in his lungs led to the setback that followed. Through the difficult procedures, frightening nights, and unexpected complications, Henry's family continues to hope for better days ahead.

For now, his family is taking things one day at a time while doctors continue treating his infection and supporting his breathing.

HOW YOU CAN SEND HENRY A LITTLE LOVE

The Dolan family is grateful for the outpouring of support for Henry and has shared a mailing address for those who would like to send him a gift while he is at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

The Things Henry Loves

Henry loves sports, especially football and basketball. His favorite teams include the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Timberwolves, and he also enjoys the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Wild.

His mom says Henry wears clothing around a children’s size 7 or 8. Team apparel featuring some of his favorite players would be a welcome surprise. Other ideas include sports-themed room decorations, Twin XL sheets for his bed, cozy blankets, a laundry basket, or other sports décor.

HENRY'S FAVORITES

Some of Henry’s favorite players include:

• Anthony Edwards
• Donte DiVincenzo
• Jaden McDaniels of the Timberwolves
• Justin Jefferson
• Jordan Addison
• T.J. Hockenson
• Byron Buxton
• Royce Lewis
• Quinn Hughes
• Kirill Kaprizov
• Napheesa Collier
• Courtney Williams
• Olivia Miles

His mom has brought some of his favorite toys to the hospital, where space is limited. Once Henry is feeling better, she hopes to help him create an Amazon wish list so he can take part in choosing items himself.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEND HENRY A CARD OR GIFT

Those wishing to send Henry a card or gift can use the following address, as shared by his family:

Mary Brigh 3D-Henry Dolan
Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Mary’s Campus
1216 2nd St. SW
Rochester, MN 55905

The family continues to thank everyone for their kindness, encouragement, and prayers as Henry works toward recovery.