Back in the Game: Brain Injury Survivor Returns to Sports

It's been less than a year since Oak Forest student Alex Fitzgerald, 13, was struck by a car and suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury. On Dec. 9, family and friends witnessed him back in action on the basketball court.

The clock started, the ball was tipped and Lisa Fitzgerald held her breath. She watched as the ball fell into her son's hands and he drove for a layup. Alex put his team on the board—but the points marked a more momentous occasion for the 13-year-old and all those who love him. His coach stopped play to congratulate Alex on his first game back since sustaining a brain injury after being struck by a car in April.  Alex was hospitalized for weeks and suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury that required surgery and months of rehabilitation.  "I felt myself holding my breath," said Lisa Fitzgerald. "It's very exciting ... I'm pretty nervous. "I'm happy for him, he's been waiting to get back." Friends and family who stood behind "Fitz" during his …

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Mike F.

5:59 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012

Way to go!   more ›

Oak Forest, District 142 Flip Switch on Stoplight at Site of Student's Injury

Oak Forest, Cook County and Forest Ridge District 142 officials gathered Oct. 7 to activate a stoplight at Hille Middle School. The light was installed as a safety measure after a student was struck by a car in April.

Staff at Hille Middle School can breathe easier when students leave school for the day, after the activation of a stoplight near the site of a student's injury last spring. District 142 officials, along with Oak Forest and Cook County representatives happily flipped the switch that they hope will keep students safe.  The sidewalk and a new stoplight are safety measures planned after student Alex Fitzgerald was struck by a car in April 2012. Alex, who is still recovering from a traumatic brain injury sustained in the accident, inspired city and school officials to seek help from Cook County Commissioner Joan Murphy, to make the area safer for students.  "It is an incredible day for us," said Superintendent Dr. Margaret Longo. "The fact that…

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Sidewalk Coming Soon to 151st Street

Oak Forest aldermen Tuesday signed off on the lowest bid for the installation of a sidewalk near Hille Middle School. Work is expected to begin as early as next week.

Installation of a sidewalk near the site of a student's injury in April will begin Oct. 1, Oak Forest aldermen decided Tuesday.  Aldermen approved a bid totaling $69,608 for the work, from Alsip-based Davis Concrete Construction. The bid was the lowest of four submitted, and came in under an engineer's projected $72,000. Work is scheduled to start Oct. 1, to be completed by Nov. 2.  Sidewalk will be laid on the south side of 151st Street, from Condado to the existing sidewalk at 5747 W. 151st St., in addition to a connecting sidewalk to the existing sidewalk. The City of Oak Forest will pay $34,588 for its portion of the work; Forest Ridge District 142 will pay $10,906. The remainder will be covered by Oak Forest, to be reimbursed by Cook …

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Stoplight, Sidewalks Coming to Site of Student's Injury

Cook County officials approved a stoplight and sidewalk on 151st Street, near Hille School, where student Alex Fitzgerald was struck by a car in April. Oak Forest and Forest Ridge District 142 will chip in a portion of the costs.

Alex Fitzgerald wasn't the first, but hopefully he'll be the last student to be struck by a car along 151st Street, near Hille Middle School.  Alex, who is still recovering from a traumatic brain injury sustained in the accident, inspired city and school officials to seek help from Cook County Commissioner Joan Murphy, to make the area safer for students.  Aldermen Tuesday signed off on an agreement with the County, regarding the details of the design, installation and payment for a sidewalk and stoplight near the location. Alex was the third student to be hit by a car near that spot in recent years, said City Administrator Troy Ishler.  Cook County officials approved the installation of a stoplight and sidewalk near the location. The …

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Michael M.

4:31 pm on Saturday, September 15, 2012

According to the police report there were a few factors that contributed to the accident. One, the driver said she did not see the pedestrian until she hit him and the lighting would be considered dim at the time of the accident; second, the police report states "the pedestrian apparently ran into the street without first checking to see if a vehicle was close enough to him to become a hazard." …   more ›

Safety Features Coming to Spot of Alex Fitzgerald's Crash

Jack Hille Middle School is getting some new improvements out front to help prevent future accidents.

Permanent safety improvements to the road in front of Jack Hille Middle School come as soon as the holidays. District 142 Superintendent Margaret Longo said this week temporary improvements, including signs, caution lights, crossing guards and other added personnel, will be in place before school starts later in August. The Cook County Department of Highways is installing the new measures. “They want to get something up before the school year starts, which is really important for us,” Longo said. The district has worked for years to get pedestrian improvements made to 151st Street. When Alex Fitzgerald was struck by a car on April 20—the second such crash involving a child in two years—the City of Oak Forest and the district redoubled …

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See the Full List of Sponsors & Donors for the Fighting 4 Fitz Benefit

The cause raises money for Alex Fitzgerald and his family.

Chuck Toland, an Oak Forest alderman and one of the organizers behind the Fighting 4 Fitz benefit, sent over a list of all the businesses, organizations and people that donated to the fundraiser. On July 1, Bourbon Street was packed with people who had come to bid on items for the fundraiser. Alex Fitzgerald of Oak Forest suffered severe injuries and head trauma after he was hit by a car near Jack Hille Middle School. Here is the massive list of those who contributed: Join the conversation. Like Oak Forest Patch on Facebook!

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Chris Medina Plays Acoustic Set at Fighting 4 Fitz Fundraiser

The American Idol star also will perform at Oak Fest tonight.

Those who came to support Alex Fitzgerald and his family at a benefit in his honor also received a treat in the form of musician Chris Medina. The singer and former American Idol contestant was part of the fun performances at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park Sunday afternoon. Medina also is scheduled to play Oak Fest at 6 p.m. tonight. His single "What Are Words broke the Top 100 in the United States and has gone Quadruple Platinum in Norway and Double Platinum in Sweden. Join the conversation. Like Oak Forest Patch on Facebook and sign up for the breaking news alerts! Want more news?

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Reminder: 'Fighting 4 Fitz' Fundraiser is July 1; Tickets Still Available

The fundraiser for Alex Fitzgerald and his family is from 2-7 p.m. at Bourbon Street. Tickets are $30 each for adults.

Fitz's Mom Talks about 'Awesome' Mother's Day Gift, Hearing Her Son Speak Again

Officials work to make the road outside Jack Hill Middle School, where Alex Fitzgerald was hit by a car in April, safer for all children.

Witnessing her son try to speak for the first time since an accident that left him hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury was the best Mother's Day present Lisa Fitzgerald could have asked for. Her son, Alex, had been in a coma after being hit by a car on April 20. Both she and her husband Paul stayed by his bedside while he was hospitalized. He recovered slowly, first mouthing words and, eventually, spoke to his parents again. "On Mother's Day, he started talking," Lisa said. "That Saturday, he was mouthing the words but he just couldn't quite get it out. Then on Mother's Day, he started to speak. It was slow but it was pretty clear what he wanted to say." "It was awesome." Alex has been home since June 8. He's looking forward to, …

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