Comedian Rob Delaney announced the death of his two-year-old son Henry in a Facebook note Friday afternoon.
"My wife and Henry's older brothers and I are devastated of course," Delaney said. "Henry was a joy. He was smart, funny, and mischievous and we had so many wonderful adventures together, particularly after he'd moved home following fifteen months living in hospitals. His tumor and surgery left him with significant physical disabilities, but he quickly learned sign language and developed his own method of getting from A to B shuffling on his beautiful little bum. His drive to live and to love and to connect was profound. I am astonished by the love-in-action displayed by Henry's mom and his brothers. They are why I will endeavor to not go mad with grief. I don't want to miss out on their beautiful lives. I'm greedy for more experiences with them."
Henry was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016 shortly after his first birthday. Surgery was performed to remove the tumor, followed by additional treatment through the beginning of 2017. The cancer came back last autumn, Delaney said Friday, and Henry died in January.
Delaney, who lives in London, made special mention of the National Health Service (NHS) in Friday's note, calling their healthcare workers "heroes" for helping his family. He has been an outspoken supporter of health care overhaul here in the States, most recently responding to Trump's garbage criticism of the U.K.
For those interested in donating to other families with sick children in the U.K., Delaney also included links for donations to be made in Henry's name "or in the name of someone you love" to Rainbow Trust and Noah's Ark.
In closing, Delaney asked for privacy for him and his family. "Thank you, beautiful Henry, for spending as much time with us as you did," he said. Read Delaney's full note here.
In response to a tweeted link to the note Friday, Delaney received messages of support from fellow comedians and others on Twitter:
We send our condolences to Rob and his family during this difficult time.
