Baby Henry's Story

April 2024

Henry's Story - April 2024



My grandson, Henry was born in May of 2023. He was a healthy and happy baby. When he was 2 months old, his parents, Jessica and Brian noticed that his eyes would continually roam back and forth from side to side. I noticed it too, and suggested that Jessica have him evaluated by his pediatrician. Henry’s doctor shined a bright light into his eyes. There was no response, Henry’s eyes did not dilate or react. He didn’t flinch as would have been expected. The pediatrician recommended Henry see a Pediatric eye specialist.


In August, Jess and Brian brought Henry to Dr Sepideh Rousta, MD, a pediatric ophthalmologist with University Children’s Eye Center in New Brunswick, NJ. After her examination, Henry was diagnosed with Nystagmus, neonatal poor vision, and most likely, Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis, a rare condition that affects the retinas in a baby’s eyes. This was a devastating diagnosis. If correct, it would mean that, Henry would be blind. Dr Rousta suggested that Henry be seen at Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania (CHoP)


I immediately called my friend, Diana Saltareli, aka Deeni of the Ray of Hope foundation. She and Debbie Scherman were continuing the work of the Foundation’s late founder, Ray Skop of Jersey City. With Ray, Deeni and Debbie our family had prayed the Rosary for years invoking the graces of Jesus, Our Lady Mary, and Jesus’ Grandmother, St Anne. Over the years, we’d witnessed many miracles.


Deeni was concerned about Henry and suggested that we pray. Deeni and Debbie telephoned me once or twice a week. We prayed for Henry’s vision and we prayed for a miracle for this tiny baby.


In September, Jess and Brian brought Henry to ChoP. There they saw Dr. Brian Forbes and other renowned Pediatric Ophthalmologists. After noting that Henry does have Nystagmus and after a thorough examination, the doctors pronounced Henry’s retinas “unremarkable” They could not see a problem with Henry’s retinas. Henry could see!


It could be that Henry was very young, when first seen by Dr. Rousta and his retinas were not yet fully developed. It could be that Dr. Rousta did not have the right instruments to correctly diagnose Henry. But I believe that Henry has been blessed with a miracle. Henry does have nystagmus, but it doesn’t impair his vision or his quality of life. And the Nystagmus can improve in babies and children. Henry’s is improving which is good news. But the wonderful news is that Henry can see!


We are very grateful to Jesus, Our Lady Mary, and St. Anne. We are grateful to Deeni and Debbie of the Ray of Hope Foundation in leading and guiding us in prayer


Priase God!