Emily Diaz is speaking out again—this time with greater urgency and determination—as she provides a new update about her son Lenny, the Montgomery County middle schooler who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck in the head by a metal object during gym class on October 22, 2025.
Diaz says her son, Lenny, was hit by “a metal object thrown by another student” during gym at Odessa Shannon Middle School in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Principal Natasha Booms informed the school community in an email that the incident involved a “metal object,” and that staff members were offering support to the family.
But Diaz later revealed the severity of her son’s injuries: an open skull fracture with bone fragments entering his brain.
Lenny was immediately admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and placed on a breathing tube as he fought to stabilize.
Diaz described Lenny as “a very smart, loving, adventurous young boy,” and said she fears potential long-term effects involving his mobility, speech, and memory.
A GoFundMe campaign she created has raised more than $30,000 as supporters rally behind her family.
In an update shared on November 24, Diaz said she could no longer stay silent about what has happened.
She stated that the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service (MCFR) were the only responders initially notified, and that Montgomery County Police (MCPD) did not arrive until around 5 p.m.—hours after the incident.
Diaz further claimed that the information she received from Principal Booms did not match what she later saw in an official report.
“I was told different from Dr. Booms and the report stated something completely different,” she wrote, adding,
“This definitely isn’t being swept under the rug. Wrong one.”
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She expressed outrage that the student accused of throwing the metal object—a girl, according to Diaz—has already returned to school.
“My son was so excited to attend school that day… I trusted that school and staff with my sons,” she said.
“The student nearly killed my son and MCPS did absolutely nothing.”
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Diaz questioned why the school failed to notify her immediately, saying Lenny called her before anyone from the school did—despite suffering an open skull injury.
According to her, it took 11 minutes for Principal Booms to contact her after her son’s call.
She also said the Maryland Center for School Safety did not receive the required incident report until October 29, seven days after the injury occurred.
“By law, the report has to be filed within 24 hours,” she emphasized. “Why did it take so long?”
Diaz has now issued a call to action to other MCPS parents.
She is seeking mothers whose children have experienced bullying or violence at school, urging them to come forward and share their stories.
She also demanded the removal of Principal Booms and any staff members involved in the handling of Lenny’s case.
“MCPS, do better,” she said.
“Our kids go to school to learn—not to get assaulted or bullied.”
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Diaz admits the situation has left her emotionally drained.
“I’m hurt, sad, angry—I feel so many emotions,” she wrote. “I just need justice for my Lenny.”
As Lenny continues his recovery, Diaz remains vocal about the need for accountability, transparency, and stronger safety measures within Montgomery County Public Schools.
She says she will not stop speaking out until meaningful action is taken.
