Fundraiser Set As Injured Soccer Player Fights to Recover

By Jordan Schraeder in 40 Acres, Special on February 20, 2012 at 3:45 pm | No Comments

Both the Austin and UT communities are rallying behind Kylie Doniak, the UT senior who was hit by a drunk driver downtown earlier this month.

The 22-year-old midfielder for UT’s soccer team has been in critical condition at University Medical Center Brackenridge since the accident on Feb. 3. She suffered a broken leg, ribs, and collarbone, and is currently battling a lung infection. With her brain still swollen and surrounded by fluid, Kylie remains only semi-responsive. But her family is nothing but optimistic about her recovery.

“Every day there’s a huge improvement,” says Kylie’s sister, Alyssa. “Each new thing she is able to do is very encouraging for us.”

The driver, 22-year-old Nicholas Colunga, struck both Kylie and her friend at 8th and San Jacinto just before 2 a.m. He has since been charged with intoxication assault and failure to stop and render aid.

Kylie’s road to recovery has been documented daily by her sister on the online journal site CaringBridge.org. Each bit of progress Kylie makes—like her transfer out of ICU to the Intermediate Care Unit today—is shared with friends and family who are rooting for the “passionate superwoman’s” recovery.

The Doniaks, who reside in Chino Hills, Calif., have found overwhelming support from the UT and Austin communities during this time far from home.

“Everyone, especially the UT Athletics staff, has been amazing and so accommodating,” Alyssa says. “They’ve even sent food over to us at the hospital. Austin is really showing us the Texas spirit. We feel at home here.”

Case in point: Chili’s Grill and Bar locations in the Austin and surrounding areas will be hosting a fundraiser for Kylie Wed., Feb. 22. Bring in the flyer below or mention Kylie’s name, and Chili’s will donate 15 percent of the sale to the rehab and physical therapy she will need in the coming months.

Supporters can also donate to Kylie’s medical care at any Wells Fargo bank branch; an account, #2860066170, has been set up “For the Benefit of Kylie Doniak.”

However, Kylie isn’t simply in need of monetary donations—a simple prayer is just as powerful, according to her family.

“I would just like to say on behalf of my family that we are so thankful for all the thoughts and prayers for Kylie,” Alyssa says.