Oak Forest ‘Idol’ Wants to Help Injured Hille Student

Chris Medina is looking to help out the family of a hospitalized student however he can.

A fundraiser for 12-year-old  of Oak Forest is set for July 1. Fitzgerald, known as “Fitz” in the community, suffered bone fractures and head trauma when he was struck by a car in April.

’s fiance, , suffered a traumatic brain injury after a 2009 car crash. The former American Idol contestant and Oak Forest resident empathized with what the Fitzgeralds are going through. Fitzgerald has remained in intensive care since the crash.

"It really hit hard and I felt like I wanted to be a part of it," Medina said.

Medina said he has talked with people close with the Fitzgeralds and wants to be involved in some way with the fundraising efforts.

"He’s doing much better. He’s been opening his eyes and doing things," said Alderman Chuck Toland at Tuesday's City Council meeting. "He’s reacting to stimulus, reacting to people who are talking."

Community support erupted for the Fitzgerald family soon after the accident.

A fundraiser is set for 2 to 7 p.m. July 1 at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park. The group behind the event is in need of donations for a raffle. Group members also requesting money donations and have applied for 501(c) (3) status. Checks can be made out to "Fighting 4 Fitz." Any donations or check can be taken to the during the day.

On Tuesday, a group will be selling “Fighting 4 Fitz” t-shirts from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at . The cost of the shirts is $10 and $5 from each sale will go to the family.

Update: Here is the link to a Facebook page created for Alex Fitzgerald: Fighting 4 Fitz. 

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