Help Zane Jump Into His Next Challenge with a Sport Prosthetic

Zane’s Journey Update

Zane continues to move forward in his prosthetic preparation. He recently visited the Hanger Clinic, where he was fitted with a shrinker sock, and will soon have a cast made of his leg to begin designing his prosthetic. He is also working hard in physical therapy and recently had the opportunity to speak with the Penn State jumping coach. Zane is determined and focused on his challenge—getting back on the track to run and jump again with his new leg.

To support Zane in this next step, Clem’s BBQ is hosting a fundraiser on Friday, September 26th, from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM across the street from the High School. Meals will include your choice of pulled pork or chicken, two sides, and desserts provided by the Athletic Booster Clubs, all available for a donation. It’s the perfect chance to grab lunch, or pick up dinner after work before the Homecoming game that evening.

For questions or more information, please reach out to Susan Besch through GoFundMe. Let’s come together to help Zane get fitted for his prosthetic and back on the track doing what he loves.

Original Post:

Graduating high school is supposed to be the start of something exciting; every card, every speech says, “the best is yet to come.” But for Zane Hummel, just one month after graduation, life took an unexpected and traumatic turn.

On Sunday afternoon, July 6, 2025, a driver pulled out in front of Zane and stopped abruptly in the middle of the road, which is every motorcyclist’s worst fear. There was no time to avoid the collision. Zane, a standout student, National Honor Society member, and top-ranked athlete from Bellefonte High School, sustained a catastrophic injury in the crash. He was rushed to the hospital, where he endured multiple surgeries, blood transfusions, and ultimately, the amputation of his right leg below the knee.

In an instant, Zane went from being a prospect as a jumper for Penn State University’s Track & Field team, to fighting for his future in a hospital bed. He has since deferred his enrollment in Penn State’s Smeal College of Business to focus on healing and redefining his path forward.

But Zane is not giving up; and he’s not done competing.

Zane’s dream is to return to the sport he loves, this time with a new goal: to compete at the NCAA level with able-bodied athletes. He is fortunate that Penn State has the resources to help him train, but to truly compete at the elite level, Zane will need a high-performance prosthetic and specialized therapy, neither of which is covered by standard insurance.

A sport-specific prosthetic and intensive rehabilitation can cost more than $75,000. While insurance will help with a basic prosthetic, it won’t provide what Zane needs to run, jump, and train at a competitive level.

Zane is determined, resilient, and full of potential. With your support, he can pursue his dreams, stay connected to his passion, and turn this life-altering moment into the beginning of an incredible new chapter.

Help us get Zane back on track…literally. Every donation, no matter the size, brings him one step closer to the starting line of his next race.

Thank you for supporting Zane’s journey.