Lane Tech Community Rallies For Injured Football Player

Drew Williams remains in critical condition at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn

The family of a hospitalized high school football player attended the school's final home game on Friday night as the teen continues to lay comatose in a Chicago area hospital.

Lane Tech College Prep High School senior Drew Williams, 17, collapsed on the sidelines a week ago during a game against Dunbar Vocational.

Doctors said the 5 foot, 11 inch and 170 pound Williams suffered a severe brain injury and was in critical condition at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

He remains in a coma with bleeding on the surface of his brain, but Drew's sister, Andrea, said Friday's been an encouraging day after doctors said there was a good chance he wouldn't make it.

"Earlier today they took him off the ventilator and he took a few breaths of his own, and then just a few hours ago, they were able to take him off the ventilator and he is breathing on his own," Andrea Williams said.

Family members said they wanted to attend against the game against The Hornets of Edwin G. Foreman High School  because Williams' younger brother, Bryce Williams, is also on the varsity team, although he didn't play.

It was Senior night at the school, and Bryce walked with his parents in his brother's honor.

"I was really nervous .. I don't know, I just wish he could have did it himself," said Bryce, a sophomore at the school.

And perhaps fittingly enough, Lane Tech won the game.

Students wore t-shirts and bracelets in Drew's honor, and continue to collect donations. More than $36,000 to has been raised to help with medical bills.

"I just hope his family is doing OK. We're praying for him, all of us, and we're all supporting him," student Italia Torres said.

The family has set up a Facebook page to provide updates on Williams' condition. An account on GoFundMe.com is collecting donations for the teen's recovery fund.

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