Lacrosse star Eddie DiDonato to give first interview since Philadelphia shooting

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 4/16/10

Early one weekend morning, three months ago in the Old City Section of Philadelphia, former Villanova University and La Salle College High lacrosse standout Eddie DiDonato was shot six times at close range during an altercation.

The Jan. 17  incident left DiDonato, 23, of Blue Bell, in critical condition in Jefferson University Hospital for several weeks.

DiDonato, who suffered severe damage to multiple organs, and a bullet to the spine, fought for his life as hard as he used to fight on the lacrosse field when he was a scholastic All-American and a two-time captain for the first Wildcats’ playoff team.

Since that fateful day DiDonato has endured 10 operations, overcome numerous setbacks and has made remarkable progress towards regaining  his health and strength.

Now a patient at Philadelphia’s Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, DiDonato’s sheer determination and willpower, along with the help of a team of rehabilitation specialists, family and friends, have him well on the road to recovery.

Now, he is ready to talk, exclusively to Phillylacrosse.com.

Beginning Monday, in a multi-part series, DiDonato speaks for the first time, of his recovery, and the amazing team that has gotten him back on his feet and holding a lacrosse stick again.

The suspect in the shooting, Gerald Ung, a Temple law student, faces a preliminary hearing today in a Philadelphia court. Ung is charged with attempted murder and related offenses.

For a look back at previous articles on the incident, click to these links:

Best friend: DiDonato continues to make great recovery after ninth operation since Old City shooting

DiDonato remains in fair condition as recovery from weekend scare continues

Former Villanova captain DiDonato upgraded to fair condition after major scare caused by infection

DiDonato’s condition stabilizes after being moved back into Intensive Care; is downgraded to critical

DiDonato’s former teammate: ‘It’s pretty incredible how lucky and strong he’s been the past couple of days’

Best friend: DiDonato in good spirits after another round of surgery

Shooting victim DiDonato is upgraded to fair condition; few details known about incident as police continue investigation

Shooting victim DiDonato continues to recover after morning surgery

DiDonato update: Best friend says shooting victim is squeezing his hand and that his fight for life is a ‘miracle’

Contributing editor: Kristen Imperiale