The community of Silver Spring, Maryland, is rallying behind middle school student Lenny after a devastating classroom incident left him with a severe brain injury.
The incident occurred during a Physical Education (PE) class at Odessa Shannon Middle School on Wednesday, October 22, when another student allegedly threw a metal object that struck Lenny in the head.
According to his mother, Emily Diaz, the impact caused an open skull injury, with bone fragments entering Lenny’s brain.
He was immediately rushed to the hospital and remains in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) on a breathing tube as doctors monitor his condition.
“My son was struck in the head by a student in his school,” Diaz said.
“The injury he sustained was an open skull injury, and the bone fragments went into his brain. He’s currently in PICU and on a breathing tube to help him breathe and recover.”
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Diaz described Lenny as a bright, loving, and adventurous young boy whose life changed in an instant.
“I feel like his life was taken even though he’s still alive,” she shared.
“We are unsure of how he will be after recovery, but the possibilities of him being impaired are there — speech, mobility, and memory. I’m praying God does His miracle in him and he recovers and comes back as he was.”
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In response to the tragedy, Diaz launched a GoFundMe campaign to help her family cover mounting medical expenses and any specialized care Lenny may need on his long road to recovery.
“I’m not the type to ask for handouts,” she wrote, “but I desperately need whatever help I can get.”
The fundraiser has drawn widespread attention, with community members offering prayers, donations, and messages of support for Lenny and his family.
Following the incident, Odessa Shannon Middle School Principal Dr. Natasha H. Booms issued a letter to families confirming that emergency protocols were immediately enacted once staff realized the severity of the situation.
“During the class, a student was struck by what was described as a metal object thrown by another student, resulting in injuries that required immediate medical attention,” Booms wrote.
“Emergency Medical Technicians responded quickly, and the student was transported to the hospital.”
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Dr. Booms emphasized that the school has provided counseling support for students and staff affected by the traumatic event and continues to reinforce safety expectations.
“We recognize that any serious incident affects our entire school community,” she stated.
“Our staff will continue to reinforce expectations for safety and appropriate behavior.”
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As Lenny remains in critical care, his family continues to hold on to faith and hope.
“Lenny baby, te amo mi cielo,” Diaz wrote in a heartfelt message. “Praying your recovery goes smoothly, baby.”
The Montgomery County community stands united in support of Lenny and his loved ones, praying for strength, healing, and a full recovery from his life-altering brain injury.
