Miracle Recovery: Henry’s First Words After Half a Year in Coma

The story of 12-year-old Henry Sembdner from Illinois is a powerful reminder of why bullying must never be ignored. Bullying can harm people of all ages, but it’s most common in schools especially in places where students aren’t taught values like yirat Shamayim (awe of Heaven), kavod (respect for others), and ahavat Yisrael (love for fellow Jews). These Torah-based values are what truly shape a caring community.

It all began on what seemed like an ordinary day. Henry was walking through the school hallway when he accidentally bumped into another student. Instead of brushing it off, the other boy assumed it was on purpose and shoved Henry hard to the ground while shouting insults.

Henry tried to get up, but other students surrounded him and began hitting him. They beat him all over his body, until his face was injured and blood started flowing from his head.

He was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries and bleeding in his brain. He was sedated and placed on a ventilator in the trauma unit, slipping into a coma. “It was terrible to see Henry like that,” one of his friends told ABC News. “Just heartbreaking.”

For nearly six months, Henry’s friends stayed close. They visited the hospital, sent cards and gifts, and kept his name alive in their hearts. His mother, Karen, said it was those moments of care that kept their spirits strong. “We knew he would wake up. We just didn’t know when. But we never gave up hope.”

Karen explained that faith is what helped the family through this painful time. “We davened (prayed), we stayed by his bedside, and waited. Slowly, we began to see small changes.” Then, one day, after half a year, Henry suddenly opened his eyes and spoke. His first two words: “I’m hungry.”

Karen said they were the sweetest words she had ever heard. “It felt like a nes (miracle).” In the days that followed, the family met with over ten doctors for follow-up care and made plans for Henry’s ongoing recovery. “We’re just so grateful. We hope there won’t be any setbacks, and we’re happy that Henry is with us again.”

Still, Karen feels that what happened to her son should never happen to any child. “No one should suffer this way. Children shouldn’t express anger through violence. Our son went through months of suffering because of bullying, and we didn’t know if he would survive. Baruch Hashem (thank G-d), he did but too many others don’t. We must take this seriously.”

Henry’s story is more than a story of painת it’s one of resilience, love, and the power of community. And it’s a reminder that raising children with strong values and empathy can truly save lives.