This past July, after a motorcycle accident that left him in need of an amputation on his foot from the shin down, one of our own alumni started an up-hill battle like no other. However, with an incredible support system that has been furiously fundraising, and his undying work ethic, Zane Hummel is making waves in his recovery.
After Zane’s injury the immediate thought from his friends and family was of course “how can we help him?” They connected with the Hanger Clinic for his treatment plan. He recently received his, long awaited, prosthetic in October. The cost of this treatment, although a concern, was not something that anyone would want to drag their loved one down from getting better. However, it eventually has to be dealt with.
During the entirety of Zane’s journey he has had a strong community surrounding him, the Bellefonte Track and Field team. He was a key member of this team before he graduated, just last school year, and the bonds he formed with this organization did not forget him. Zane was a strong long and triple jumper who even medaled at the PIAA state meet last season. Much of his success can be attributed to the strong bond he had with his coach, Mr. Christopher Freidhoff, a former teacher at Bellefonte.
“We have really found out how great of a community we live in,” Seth Miller said, the Head Coach of Bellefonte Track and Field.
Bellefonte Track and Field immediately stepped in on the night of the accident to support him. They started a drive-by gift car/money donation at the high school, to fund the Hummel’s transportation back and forth from Bellefonte to Danville, while Zane was in the hospital.
Their next successful fundraiser was a donation from the annual Herbie’s Hometown Loop 4 Mile Race, managed by distance coach Mrs. Gasper in honor of Jeremey Herbstritt, a Bellefonte alum, who died in the Virginia Tech shootings.
Most recently they’ve held a dance/social at the Nittany Club and a spaghetti dinner with the Bellefonte Elks.
However, nothing yet has topped the Clem’s BBQ fundraiser on the night of the Homecoming football game, desserts were donated to them and in return $5,000 was raised for the athletic prosthetic Zane just received.
“Those of us that know Zane, know that he is strong willed and determined to succeed,” Mr. Miller said. Zane showed much success in his years at Bellefonte High School, and now that he has graduated Bellefonte wants to continue to push him to his next success. Keep your eyes peeled for additional ways to support Zane on his journey. Donations are always appreciated at GoFundMe!