Donovan's GoFundMe account tops $100k as K-M grad takes 'small steps' in recovery

FARGO, N.D. — Former Kasson-Mantorville multi-sport athlete Matt Donovan is progressing in his recovery from a severe head and brain injury sustained during a college football game, according to family updates shared on social media. The 2022 Kasson-Mantorville High School graduate, who was life-flighted to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo following an incident at Jerome Berg Field in Mayville, N.D., on May 26, 2023, has undergone a two-hour surgery to remove nearly half of his skull to alleviate swelling and pressure on his brain.

Since then, his parents, Terry and Tina Donovan, have shared updates on social media, expressing encouragement as Matt has made small but significant strides. On Thursday, Terry reported that Matt had moved his head from side to side and attempted to lift it off the pillow, marking a positive development in his unconscious state.

The 5-foot-10, 176-pound Donovan, a redshirt junior quarterback for Mayville State University Comets, has been surrounded by his family, including his parents, sister Ashley, and brothers Riley and AJ, who are all deeply involved in his care and recovery. The family has set up a GoFundMe page, which has surpassed $103,000 in contributions, and the Mayville State University Bookstore has created a fundraiser for the Donovans, featuring white T-shirts with Donovan's number 3 and last name.

Doctors have stated that the next steps involve getting Donovan to respond to small requests, such as squeezing a hand, and breathing on his own. The family remains hopeful, emphasizing the importance of continued prayers and support.