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Home Page > News > Irish student Natasha McShane out of coma, says family

Irish student Natasha McShane out of coma, says family

PATRICK COOPER,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Saturday, May 8, 2010, 10:38 AM

Updated Saturday, May 8, 2010, 10:46 AM

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Natsha McShane, attack victim: Fundraising and support in Chicago continues.

Natasha McShane

Natasha McShane, the Irish student who was viciously beaten with a baseball bat during a robbery in Chicago on April 23, is out of a coma.

McShane, a part-time bartender who is finishing her master’s degree, and her friend Stacy Jurich, 24, were beaten by a robber wielding a bat who stole their purses in the early hours of April 23 in the Bucktown area of the city.

The update on the 23-year-old’s health was confirmed in a statement released by Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

"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," read the statement.

The young Irish woman has been slowly taken off the coma–inducing medication she was being given, and doctors have managed to relieve the pressure on her brain.

She is still listed in serious condition, and the statement also included words of thanks from the McShane family for all the support and good wishes they have been receiving from the public.

The McShanes have been taking part in prayer vigils for their daughter, and several fundraisers are taking place in Chicago to help the family cover medical costs.

Heriberto Viramontes, 30, and Marcy Cruz, 25, were arrested a few days after the attack, and they have been charged with battery and armed robbery.

Viramontes has a long rap sheet and is alleged to have beaten the two with a baseball bat during the robbery while Cruz watched from a van.

To help the family by contributing to McShane's medical bills, donate to the Natasha McShane Care Account at North Bank, 501 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654.

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krisdaly | Jun 04, 2010, 01:21 AM EDT

I blame Mayor Daley of Chicago and hold him personally responsible for banning firearms from the law abiding citizens of Chicago. The criminals can kill, rape, and rob with impunity because they know that the good citizens of Chicago are unable to defend themselves on the streets or in their homes!!!!!!

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snuffey | May 22, 2010, 08:26 PM EDT

This is another good reason for sending all Wet Backs packing! Illegal aliens steal American jobs, receive free, Medical care, a free education, fill our prisons. Wet backs are DOA (Democrat on arrival) If you complain you are called a racist America is broke we can no longer afford to pander to illegal aliens.

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teaparty | May 19, 2010, 05:34 PM EDT

Lets hear it for illegal aliens who are allowed to come to the United States and assault and kill innocent people and to even bring it up, somehow I am suppose to sit quiet about this. There are 19000 Illegal aliens in California jails alone from mainly Mexico and Central America convicted of murder,rape,narcotics trafficing and gang membership...and they cost the state 1 billion alone in added costs to law abiding taxpayers...its a pity this Irish girl is a victim of a predator who has no fear of American justice...time to vote the bums out who want to boycott Arizona...wake up...we already have 15 million American citizens who need jobs already...close the borders. Hope this young woman fully recovers and gets better and they lock the jail door on these illegal criminals!

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Renfield | May 10, 2010, 11:17 PM EDT

Like millions of other Americans, I'm praying for Natasha and happy that she's improving. I'm also hoping that our highly unpredictable courts do not fail us. The attack on the two girls is also an attack on the citizenry in general. Unfortunately, in some of our cities, criminal gangs and street thugs operate with little fear of punishment. Had this case not received worldwide publicity, the bat-wielder, who has a long record of serious offenses, might get simply another slap on the wrist.

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ciarrai | May 10, 2010, 01:45 PM EDT

I volunteer to shoot the criminal who did this to McShane.

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abmullen64 | May 10, 2010, 11:57 AM EDT

thank god she is getting better prayers are good

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Searlit | May 10, 2010, 09:58 AM EDT

I join your prayer Ms.Gail.

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bronxjames | May 10, 2010, 09:09 AM EDT

If they ever find the sob's that did this can I have them alone for 5 minutes?

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Meggie01 | May 09, 2010, 01:22 PM EDT

The attack on this lovely pair of young women is horrible and it highlights the increasing gang problems faced in the U.S., especially in the larger cities. The Irish who want to immigrate legally to the U.S. should keep themselves out of the current push to legalize the wave of illegal aliens currently in the U.S., because while many of them are hard-working, decent people, there is also a huge gang element in the illegal alien population. The U.S. will no longer be a safe destination for anyone if we legalize the lawbreakers.

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Marleneenglish | May 09, 2010, 09:45 AM EDT

Canada sends prayers to Natasha and her family that she will recover fully real soon.

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Ms.Gail | May 08, 2010, 12:13 PM EDT

God grant Miss McShane continued progress and an awesome recovery, may He send her family peace and serenity in this time of worry. God bless all those who help the family and the medical team that cares for this young girl. Let those who read this join my prayer.

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