Unborn Baby Dies, Mom Has ‘Long Road Ahead’ After IL Tornado

WOODRIDGE, IL — An unborn baby boy died after his mother, Katie Wilson, was injured when an EF-3 tornado drove a tree through the roof of a Woodridge home Sunday night, Wilson's family told Patch. Wilson, who was seven months pregnant, was seeking shelter with her husband, Bryan, and their daughter, Ryen, 4, when she was hurt, family members said.

Wilson, who had been unresponsive until Thursday morning, may not be aware that the baby was lost, Wilson's brother, Nick Vanek told Patch Thursday. Katie has a "long road ahead of her," Vanek said, but "doctors are monitoring her closely and keeping her hopeful.”

Wilson and her family had just sold their Bolingbrook home and were staying with Bryan's parents near Evergreen Lane and Chestnut Avenue at the time of the tornado. They had planned to move into a new home in Woodridge next week, Vanek said.

Bryan and Ryen made it safely to the basement Sunday. Katie was "right behind them" when a tree crashed into the home and hit her, causing injuries to her neck and shoulder, Vanek said. He declined to offer details about her injuries and condition, saying the family would like to keep that information private at this time.

Wilson was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, where she underwent surgery, Vanek said.

Lisle-Woodridge Fire District Deputy Chief Steve Demas confirmed to Patch Wednesday afternoon that a pregnant Woodridge woman had been taken to Good Samaritan Hospital via "advanced life support ambulance" following Sunday's tornado.

Later in the week, Wilson was airlifted to the University of Chicago to see a specialist and undergo additional surgeries, Vanek said.

Katie is “one of the most loving and important people in my life,” Vanek told Patch. He said Katie, the middle sister of three is a “loving mother, great wife and great friend."

She’s an “amazing and outstanding person,” Vanek said.

Wilson’s family is “very hopeful” about Katie’s recovery, Vanek said. He added Katie’s “family his friends all pulling together for one another” and keeping in “close contact.”

Vanek said Katie’s husband, Bryan is “staying strong" and that daughter Ryen is “doing well.”

“We’re doing our part as a family to keep her distracted...to keep her running around and being a 4-year-old.”

There’s a long road ahead for Katie’s family, too, as she has surgeries scheduled in the coming days, Vanek said.

“I can’t speak highly enough about the team of doctors at University of Chicago right now,” Vanek said.

A GoFundMe was started Wednesday afternoon by an aunt to help with the Wilson family's "mounting medical expenses" and funeral costs for their unborn son. After just three hours, the fundraiser had earned more than $9,700 of its $100,000 goal.

By Wednesday evening, the fundraiser had received more than $23,000 in donations. As of Friday afternoon, more than $109,000 had been contributed by over 1,700 donors.

Katie's family is also grateful “to friends, families and even strangers who are showing their support to Katie and [her] family,” Vanek told Patch.

He said it’s a “true testament to Katie and the impact she’s had on the community.”

Click the link to donate to the Wilson Family GoFundMe.

Patch is a GoFundMe promotional partner.

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Tornado Tore Through 16 Miles From Naperville To Willow Springs

11 Dogs Saved From Woodridge Boarding Facility After Tornado

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