After a battle with a rare genetic condition (and the British legal system), 11-month-old Charlie Gard has died.
Charlie captured the world’s attention when his parents — Chris Gard and Connie Yates — sought treatment for their son’s mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, a rare illness that deteriorates the muscles. CNN reported that Charlie is only the 16th person in the world to be diagnosed with the condition.
Unable to find the medical care that Charlie needed in their native U.K., the parents sought treatment in the United States. However, both the American hospital — where the infant would receive treatment — and the U.K. High Court decided to remove him from life support, believing treatment would not save his life. Charlie died at his home on Friday, one week before his first birthday.
Many people, including President Trump and the Pope, have weighed in on Charlie’s case.
If we can help little #CharlieGard, as per our friends in the U.K. and the Pope, we would be delighted to do so.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 3, 2017
And following his death, a groundswell of supporters, including Pope Francis, took to Twitter to express their sadness, as well as condolences to the parents.
I entrust little Charlie to the Father and pray for his parents and all those who loved him.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) July 28, 2017
Saddened to hear of the passing of Charlie Gard. Karen & I offer our prayers & condolences to his loving parents during this difficult time.
— Vice President Mike Pence Archived (@VP45) July 28, 2017
Heartbreaking for Charlie Gard's parents. The opportunists from Trump down who gave them false hope should be ashamed https://t.co/mAdDptlpNm
— Kevin Maguire (@Kevin_Maguire) July 24, 2017
RIP Charlie Gard..so Heart breaking. Your tiny feet have left huge footprints on this earth 💙💙
— Karen Kiernan (@KarenTempany) July 28, 2017
#PrayforCharlie R.I.P. Charlie Gard, you will live on in our hearts forever #ccot #tcot
— anthony 🇺🇸 (@TwoTermDonald) July 28, 2017
PM @theresa_may says she is 'deeply saddened by the death of Charlie Gard' https://t.co/o7D6RXDCzI pic.twitter.com/qM4DLImkm4
— ITV News (@itvnews) July 28, 2017
Charlie Gard, the British baby at the center of a complex ethics battle over his treatment, has died days before his 1st birthday pic.twitter.com/OL3OqHy5Ay
— NBC News (@NBCNews) July 28, 2017
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