It's been almost two months since the McShane family's lives changed forever.
On a warm late spring evening, Natasha McShane and her friend, Stacy Jurich, were viciously attacked by a man with a baseball bat while walking in the Bucktown neighborhood. Both women were hospitalized, but McShane's injuries proved more serious, with brain swelling that has left her hospitalized since.
McShane, an exchange student from Ireland, is now at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Her family says she's making progress -- walking with assistance, using her arms for some tasks, and has just started speaking again.
The family is calling Sunday Natasha's Day -- and are holding two big fundraisers to help with the long recovery she has ahead of her.
The event is being held at two locations -- the Irish American Heritage Center, at 4626 N. Knox, and at Gaelic Park in Oak Forest. Local musicians will be on hand to provide entertainment, while a raffle at each location will help raise cash. Both events go until 9 p.m. Sunday.
Family spokeswoman Maureen O'Looney said the McShane family has had to move out of housing provided by the Rehab Institute, but someone has already stepped up and offered them a fully-furnished place to live while Natasha recovers in Chicago. The family hopes to take her back to Ireland next month to help control the costs of her treatment.
If you want to help, you can also donate online. Go to HelpNatasha.net to learn more. The family also released a statement over the weekend, thanking those who've stepped forward to help:
