SOUTH ELGIN, Ill. — A middle school student in South Elgin is out of a coma after being beaten by a classmate — and he’s getting some high-profile support.
Kenyon Woods Middle School 7th grader Henry Sembdner suffered facial fractures and injuries to his brain when he was attacked for allegedly bumping into a classmate Friday.
The classmate who assaulted him was taken into police custody.
Chicago Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo reached out to Henry via Twitter Monday night, and offered him support saying, “Heard you are a big Cubs fan Henry. When you are better I have a couple tickets and BP(batting practice) passes waiting for you at Wrigley. #StayStrong”
Heard you are a big @Cubs fan Henry. When you are better I have a couple tickets and BP passes waiting for you at Wrigley. #StayStrong https://t.co/VYDFPE9rY0
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) February 7, 2017
Rizzo followed with another tweet that reads: “Heard Henry’s school will be wearing Cubs gear tom to show their support. Wear ur gear & I’ll RT pics. Let’s all show our support. #StayStrong”
Heard Henry's school will be wearing @Cubs gear tom to show their support Wear ur gear & I'll RT pics.Let's all show our support #StayStrong
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) February 7, 2017
Students have started sharing their support for Henry on social media:
https://twitter.com/t3rra11/status/829032356170301440
Supporting the @Cubs but most importantly supporting Henry @ARizzo44 ❤️💙💚 @sToRm_NaTiOn1 pic.twitter.com/vaKmoyZk6Y
— juullliiaa (@juliawafford) February 7, 2017
Joining hand n hand with @ARizzo44 in showing support for Henry. Stay strong bud you've got Chicago Cubs nation pulling for you! #staystrong pic.twitter.com/5RYpfAZjOR
— Wes 🏌️♂️ (@Wes_Sanderson98) February 7, 2017
Troiani boys supporting Henry with @ARizzo44. Get better Henry!!!#staystrong pic.twitter.com/BcG4JJtthz
— Michael Troiani (@mtroiani34) February 7, 2017
Henry’s mother says her son was moved to a regular pediatric room and is talking, eating and reading all the ‘get well’ cards people have sent him.
Two GoFundMe pages have been set up to help the Sembdner family as well as a CaringBridge page for updates on Henry’s condition.
So far, the family has raised about $31,000 on Henry’s behalf.