Matthew Donovan hits recovery milestones, family says
Mayville State quarterback Matthew Donovan stood upright with weight on his legs and spent up to 16 hours off a ventilator during recovery milestones at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, according to updates shared by his family.
- Matthew Donovan is currently recovering at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals following a severe helmet-to-helmet hit sustained on September 19.
- Recent therapy sessions show him supporting his weight in a harness and responding to basic physical instructions such as wiping eye drops or grabbing a washcloth.
- He achieved significant periods of unassisted breathing, spending 15 and then 16 hours off a ventilator over a recent weekend.
Progress at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals
Donovan is currently engaged in rehabilitation and can move his left side more than a week after beginning care at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals in Lincoln, Nebraska. His father, Terry Donovan, detailed a recent physical therapy session in a Facebook post, noting that medical staff supported the quarterback in a harness to help him put weight on his legs for the first time since his hospitalization.
“One of the big moments today was going down to the gym, where they supported him in a harness and had him putting weight on his legs,” Terry Donovan wrote in the post. “Through it all, he was concentrating on Tina. His blood pressure and heart rate held steady during what was really his first time completely upright since September 19.”
Donovan Breathes Without Ventilator and Goes Outside
Donovan spent 15 hours and subsequently another 16 hours breathing on his own without a ventilator over a weekend at the facility. Following a church service at the rehabilitation center, hospital staff wheeled him outside for fresh air.
“After all these weeks, those are pretty special moments,” Terry Donovan wrote. “On the way down, I asked if he was feeling OK, and he squeezed my hand. When I asked if he wanted to go to church, I got another squeeze. We had the same response when I asked about going outside.”
Donovan Responds to Therapy as Caloric Intake Increases
While remaining in a minimally conscious state, Donovan has demonstrated early and inconsistent responses to physical therapy instructions. A nurse asked him to wipe eye drops from his cheek, prompting him to bring a tissue up toward his chin. A therapist later instructed him to grab a washcloth, resulting in him lifting the cloth off his chest toward his face.
To support his increasing physical activity, staff at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals reassessed his nutrition plan and increased his daily caloric intake as mobility improves. The family continues to limit visitors to ensure Donovan receives adequate rest for his ongoing recovery.
Hospitalization Following September 19 Injury
The timeline of care traces back to September 19, when Donovan sustained a helmet-to-helmet hit during a football game. He was initially hospitalized at Sanford Medical Center and placed in a medically induced coma. Terry Donovan recounted that medical teams informed the family of the severe nature of the injuries and the prolonged recovery timeline.
After surviving the initial trauma, Donovan battled pneumonia and subsequent complications before transitioning to the Lincoln rehabilitation facility.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.