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.