Herndon's Coco Buck Is The 'Epitome Of A Hometown Hero'

HERNDON, VA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. Together with Ring, we're working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Brenna Danatzko, who nominated her friend Coco Buck, who spreads her positivity around Herndon despite recently undergoing brain surgery. She helped organize a Black Lives Matter protest earlier this year and is starting a pop-up gym class for school-age children.

Your nominee's full name:
Coco Buck

What does your nominee do?
She is a coach, entrepreneur, volunteer, and athlete.

Why do you believe your nominee should be recognized or honored?
Coco is the epitome of a hometown hero. A Herndon local, who has always been active in the community, she’s known for her positivity, compassion and strength, to say nothing of her swimming skills. She owns a small business, coaches young swimmers, and still finds time to better the world around her.

When the pandemic hit she began making masks for the community. In the spring she discovered she would need to undergo brain surgery to remove a tumor and so in early May she underwent the procedure with equanimity. Despite complications post surgery and readmission to the hospital she actually started a positivity project to boost the spirits of her caregivers.

Only weeks after being released from the hospital Coco organized a march in Herndon to support Black Lives Matter. She not only planned the event in less than 24 hours but actually led the peaceful protest through downtown Herndon, herself. She had such a great turnout that, the following week, she planned and organized a virtual online protest to keep the momentum going.

Never one to sit idle, and feeling sympathy for the kids who are distance learning, she has now taken it upon herself to start a pop-up gym class for school-age kids. Beginning next week, she will be holding twice weekly classes for them on the town green, and giving their parents a little respite in the process.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about your nominee?
Coco is truly one of the strongest, most selfless and kind people I have ever met. Our entire town is blessed to have her as a part of it and I am honored to call her my friend.

Thank you for all you do, Coco Buck!

Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here. Read about other heroes from across Virginia here.

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Let us know about those making a difference by filling out the form below and we'll be happy to share their impact with the rest of the community.

Contributions big and small are important and valued.