Natasha McShane, the Irish student who was viciously beaten with a baseball bat during a robbery in Chicago on April 23, is out of a coma.

McShane, a part-time bartender who is finishing her master’s degree, and her friend Stacy Jurich, 24, were beaten by a robber wielding a bat who stole their purses in the early hours of April 23 in the Bucktown area of the city.

The update on the 23-year-old’s health was confirmed in a statement released by Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

"She is awake, but still only demonstrating limited brain activity. Although her movements are 'uncontrolled' at the moment, the family is hopeful for additional encouraging signs," read the statement.

The young Irish woman has been slowly taken off the coma–inducing medication she was being given, and doctors have managed to relieve the pressure on her brain.
 
She is still listed in serious condition, and the statement also included words of thanks from the McShane family for all the support and good wishes they have been receiving from the public.

The McShanes have been taking part in prayer vigils for their daughter, and several  fundraisers are taking place in Chicago to help the family cover medical costs.

Heriberto Viramontes, 30, and Marcy Cruz, 25, were arrested a few days after the attack, and they have been charged with battery and armed robbery.

Viramontes has a long rap sheet and is alleged to have beaten the two with a baseball bat during the robbery while Cruz watched from a van.

To help the family by contributing to McShane's medical bills, donate to the Natasha McShane Care Account at North Bank, 501 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654.