What Do I Say To My Student Who Had Become Disabled?

[bberstein]

I work as a tutor and about two months ago I was referred to a student who missed a few months of school because of their worsening epilepsy. We had three sessions and he proved to be very friendly and sociable, like some students are, and I started thinking that we're proving to be quite a productive collaboration and because he tends to learn and remember a lot, I used to say to him that he has a good chance of going very well in the end. The student postponed the fourth session (by text) due to feeling unwell, about two or three times, then I asked my management to speak to his family. My colleagues and I were told that the student's condition had become almost completely disabling and that he does not stay conscious for very long at all. The decision was that his school exams are to be cancelled and if nothing helps his case, he may not finish high school and go to university (as he really wanted) at all. I found this pretty upsetting because he was very able and would make an outstanding professional in his field. After all the hope I gave him and how I told him that his school have no business to say that he won't go to university because if his condition, I feel a need to express that I'm sorry that things have turned out this way.
Should I text him and say that I was sorry to hear about his condition but I wish him all the best still? And how would you put it in words?

Sorry for the long story and thank you so much!

[Mamyalynne]

Keep any message simple and up to a point professional, say you are sad his health has deteriorated but that must be his first concern.

[Smowball]

Agree with Mamya.

[BagPussAA]

I would message him and tell him you are sorry to hear about his health and that he needs to concentrate on getting himself better. Tell him that if his circumstances change in the future, to get in touch because you think he is a bright and engaging pupil who was a pleasure to teach.