12-Year-Old In Coma After School Beating

Bullying affects people of all ages. In schools, this problem seems to be particularly predominant these days. Young children experience the painful effects of bullying and it’s time that we encourage others to stand up against it.

Many schools have zero tolerance policies for bullying, but Henry Sembdner’s story shows that this is not always the case.

Henry, who is12 years old, was walking down the school hallway at Kenyon Woods Middle School in South Elgin, Ill., when he accidentally bumped into another student. The other student violently threw Henry to the ground.

Henry took a severe beating whereby his face suffered multiple fractures and his brain began bleeding. He was put in a medically induced coma as the risks associated with brain swelling were so great.

The school community has been overwhelmingly supportive of Henry. Knowing that Henry is a Chicago Cubs fan, his classmates have shown up to school wearing Cubs gear in his honor.

Henry’s story even struck with Anthony Rizzo, Cubs first baseman, who tweeted an invitation to Henry, to join him at Wrigley Field during batting practice and a game.

People have been posting encouraging messages for Henry with the hashtag “#HenryStrong”. Thankfully Henry awoke from his coma and has even been pictured with a smile on his face now that he is home.

In a blog post, Henry’s mother, Karen Sembdner, wrote “Over the next couple days we will be scheduling follow up visits with 10 different doctors and rest. We are hopeful that we will not have any backslides and will continue to post as the recovery journey unveils.”

Rizzo also tweeted another message for Henry. He wrote, “Glad you are home Buddy. Keep staying #HenryStrong. See you at Wrigley this summer.”

His Mom said that one of the first phrases he uttered was: “I’m hungry!” Although that may be a common phrase many mothers hear, it was a wonderful moment for Sembdner.