One of two women viciously beaten with a baseball bat two weeks ago showed up for a fundraiser Saturday at the bar where they spent some of their last happy moments.
Stacy Jurich was in a wheelchair, still unable to walk, according to the Tribune, but determined to put on a strong face for her friend, who is still lying in a Northwestern Memorial Hospital bed.
The fundraiser was held at Can's Bar in the 1600 block of North Damen Avenue. Family, friends and supporters from the community gathered to raise money to help Jurich's family pay their mounting medical bills. If you couldn't make it to the event but want to help, the family said you can also donate at this Web site: www.stacyjurichbenefit.com/.
Right before Saturday's fundraiser got under way, Jurich's brother made a heartfelt statement to his sister.
"Stacy, we love you, and we hope for a 100 percent recovery," he said.
The second victim, 23-year-old Natasha McShane, was taken out of a drug-induced coma on Friday. Last week, she opened her eyes briefly, and in a statement Friday, doctors said McShane's health is improving, but she's still in serious condition. Doctors added that while she is no longer in a coma, she is showing only "limited brain activity."
McShane's family, who traveled from Ireland to be at the bedside of the UIC graduate student, remain hopeful that she will recover, the statement said.
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Another fundraiser for McShane is planned for June, according to the Trib. You can also donate at http://mcshanefund.com/.
Heriberto Viramontes, 31, and Marcy Cruz, 25, have been arrested and charged in the attack. Police said the couple tried to use a credit card from one of the victims at a nearby gas station just minutes after the beating.
