Chicago bat victim Natasha McShane moved to rehab

POLLY HAYES,

Published Monday, May 17, 2010, 12:01 PM

Updated Monday, May 17, 2010, 12:17 PM

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Natasha McShane: moved to rehab

Natasha McShane who was the victim a baseball attack last month in Bucktown, Chicago has been moved from Northwestern Memorial Hospital to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

Bernadette McShane, Natasha’s grandmother, said that though her condition is improving she still cannot walk, talk or even recognize her parents.

A statement issued by the hospital on May 7 said “She is awake, but still only demonstrating limited brain activity. Although her movements are 'uncontrolled' at the moment, the family is hopeful for additional encouraging signs."

On April 23, McShane, from County Armagh, and her friend Stacy Jurich were attacked and had their purses stolen. McShane was hit around the back and head twice or three times.

Until May 7 she remained in an induced coma, suffering from swelling to the brain.

Her friend, Stacy Jurich, who was also attacked but managed to raise the alarm on the night, has been released from hospital and is also going through rehabilitation.

Heriberto Viramontes (30) and Marcy Cruz (25) have both been charged with the attacks and they will appear in court next Monday.

Fundraising for McShane and Jurich is continuing. Next Sunday nearly a dozen bars in Bucktown and Wicker Park are planning a pub crawl.

Last weekend students at University College Dublin held a barbeque in honor of McShane and the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago is currently holding meetings to come up with a strategy for fundraising.

A benefit for McShane is being held on June 4 at the Local 399 operating engineers' event hall, 2260 S. Grove St, Chicago. Visit helpnatasha.net for more information.

Nster.com

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Renfield | May 22, 2010, 12:42 PM EDT

I see in today's reports that many new and upgraded charges (including attempted murder) have been lodged against the bat-wielder and his accomplice. Apparently the authorities fully intend to throw the book at the perpetrators in this case. One account mentioned that doctors are hoping that Natasha will progress to the point where she can "recognize her parents." That statement would seem discouraging, but I know a woman who was in a similar condition 30 years ago (a thug doing 90 mph trying to escape police crashed into her car), and she recuperated well with therapy and in a few months was fine. Let's hope Natasha enjoys the same sort of progress.

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rorschach | May 21, 2010, 11:00 AM EDT

This story, which I have followed since it began, has been so upsetting. I have been glad for the opportunity to contribute some money and try to publicize the donation site. If I lived in Chicago, I would be even more active. My continued prayers go out to Natasha and her family.

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boydshield | May 19, 2010, 08:53 AM EDT

My prayers are with the families, and our money should be to. I encourage all persons of Irish decent tp go to: mcshanefund.com and make a donation for this young woman thru paypal.

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