Help Veteran Tom Kownacki Recover from Hit and Run

Two days after Christmas, on Tuesday, December 27, Tom Kownacki, was struck by a car just before 2:00 p.m. as he was crossing the intersection at Irving Park and Rockwell in Chicago. Tom was heading home and had just received the green/walk light at the intersection.

Army veteran critically injured in hit-and-run

Army vet in critical condition after hit-and-run

As Tom was in the intersection, a car came through the red light at very high speeds striking him with great impact. Tom fortunately survived, but not without sustaining VERY serious injuries requiring surgery, and long-term rehabilitation and care that has greatly impacted his ability to return to work and resume normal activities.

We are extremely thankful to the three good Samaritans who assisted Tom at the scene and helped him get medical attention and from their reports, we know the suspected vehicle may have been a blue Sedan or older black Ford Focus. Note: The driver has not yet been found and the case is still being investigated.

Tom is a kind and considerate person who is always there for everyone. He is the one you could call and he would drop everything and try to help and problem solve-- a sincere brother, godfather, uncle, and friend to so many. We are so incredibly thankful he survived this horrible hit and run, and want to help him just like he helps everyone else.

Tom had an extensive career in the United States Army, having served in Germany in the late 80’s. He was proud of his military work in Germany and had enlisted in Army Officer Training to become a commissioned officer. It was during officer training, however, that Tom broke his neck during one of the agility practices and he did not get to realize this dream.

Tom is still in extensive rehab and his medical bills have continued to rise. It will be some time before he will be able to walk again and return to work.

We are hoping these efforts will help alleviate some of his financial worries as he tries to heal. Tom is a wonderful military veteran, friend, and relative to many, and happened to be in the right place at the wrong time.

We hope that anything little (how big or small) can help him concentrate on his health and getting better every day, one step at a time.

Our sincerest thanks,

Tom's family