Community Rallies for Injured Patriot High School Student

By STEPHANIE TIPPLE

NOKESVILLE, Va. — Patriot High School freshman Danno Wernecke is working to overcome severe injuries from an ATV accident.

The Nokesville resident, who was known for his title as MVP of the freshman football team, was taken by helicopter to West Virginia Medical Hospital after being ejected from an ATV, which caused serious head trauma and leg injuries. The crash happened earlier this month in Maryland.

After several medical procedures to stabilize Danno, he has made progress on the long road to full recovery.

Nicknamed “D-Legend” after the accident, Danno will need to undergo occupational and speech therapy at the Mt. Vernon Rehabilitation Center to work on his memory and other cognitive functions.

“He’s getting better everyday – he’s awake, he’s very stable. He’s weeks ahead of schedule both on his leg and with his cognitive therapy,” said Danno’s father, Karl Wernecke.

While Danno will be able to overcome his injuries, the experience has been very trying for his family and the entire local community has reached out to the Wernecke family to show their support.

Members of the community have brought meals, worked on hotel accommodations for the family’s stays near the hospital, and even decorated their home for Christmas.

“It’s overwhelming. I think we are humbled that so many people care about our family, and [the community] has just gone above and beyond to support us; offering us rides, making dinners,” Karl said.

In order to keep family and community members updated, the Wernecke’s created a Facebook page as a way to report on Danno’s progress. On the page people have shared stories of their own injuries and accidents, giving the Wernecke family information about rehab centers and providing support.

“I’m a big believer in that I’d much rather give than receive. There’s so much giving right now towards our family and I’m just not used to it. It’s been a very humbling experience for us, to receive such overwhelming support. I think the most important thing has been the emotional support; every time we start to feel down, somebody will contact us or post something on the [Facebook] site that lifts our spirits again. It’s as if [the community] is carrying us on their shoulders,” Karl said.

In addition to bringing meals and gifts, members in the community have created a website with fundraising events in an attempt to raise money for the medical costs associated with Danno’s treatment. The website features D-Legend merchandise for sale, as well as all of the details of upcoming events to support Dano through fundraising efforts.

A “Do it for Danno Night” has even been created, set for February the 6 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Patriot High School which will allow community members to raise more awareness and proudly display their Danno emblem.