Martinez Boy Injured During Boston Marathon Explosion

Latest update from Katherine Hern: "Aaron has opened his eyes a couple times and communicated with nods that he's ok and comfortable. He's trying to communicate and getting frustrated so trying to keep him calm and rested. He will have surgery tomorrow but still don't know what time."

MARTINEZ, CA -- Friends of the Hern family are sending thoughts and prayers over to Boston in the wake of a violent explosion that injured young Aaron Hern of Martinez. , was running in the Boston Marathon Monday, April 15, when two explosions injured dozens of bystanders and runners.

Commenters on the Martinez Patch Facebook page say that 11-year-old Aaron Hern was hospitalized after getting hit by shrapnel from the blast. He had to undergo surgery, but his injuries were not life-threatening.

Aaron is a student of Martinez Junior High School and an altar server at St. Catherine's Catholic Church.

Katherine Hern sent the following message to friends and family:

"First, thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. Aaron is in the ICU but stable. Has many lacerations but mostly superficial except one. One on his upper left thigh needs more surgery and just not sure yet the extent of the damage. Will be here about 7-10 days with follow up surgeries."

The rest of the family is safe, as are the friends who traveled to Boston with the Herns.

Share your thoughts and messages of support to the Herns in the comments below.

Read more: Martinez Church Prays For Boy Injured In Boston Marathon Explosions