Mayville State QB Matthew Donovan breathes without ventilator

Matthew Donovan, the Mayville State University quarterback, spent more than 30 hours breathing without a ventilator over the past weekend. His father, Terry Donovan, reported the progress in a recent Facebook post. The 23-year-old was able to be wheeled outside the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals facility after attending a church service there. Terry Donovan described the moments as special after weeks of hospitalization. He noted that his son squeezed his hand when asked if he was feeling okay, if he wanted to attend church, and if he wished to go outside. Terry Donovan said these responses are still early and inconsistent but meaningful to the family.

Donovan remains in a minimally conscious state. On Monday, he responded to a nurse's instruction to wipe eye drops from his cheek. He brought a tissue to his chin instead of his cheek. A therapist later asked him to grab a washcloth from his chest to wash his face. He moved the cloth toward his face but did not complete the motion. Terry Donovan said these actions show his son is responding to directions. The family was told upon arrival at Sanford Medical Center that recovery would be a long process.

Donovan was hospitalized on Sept. 19 after suffering a helmet-to-helmet hit during a football game. He was placed in an induced coma upon admission. The family learned of the severity of his injuries shortly after his arrival at the hospital. Terry Donovan wrote that his son fought for his life in the first five weeks. He then battled pneumonia and related complications. Donovan was transferred to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals one week ago. Terry Donovan said his son is doing much more now compared to his arrival at the new facility. The quarterback continues to receive care in Lincoln, Neb.

The timeline of Donovan's recovery began with the injury in the game. He entered an induced coma at Sanford Medical Center. The family received updates on the seriousness of his condition. He survived the initial critical period. Pneumonia set in during the following weeks. He was moved to rehabilitation care in early October. The ventilator weaning process occurred over the most recent weekend. Physical therapy sessions continued through Monday. The next steps involve continued therapy and monitoring at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals.