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Posted on Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 11 a.m.

Families of critically injured Ann Arbor musicians post recovery updates on blog

By Heidi Fenton

As two Ann Arbor musicians recover from critical injuries suffered in a crash on I-94 on July 26, family members have used a blog to update the community on their conditions.

Andrew Kratzat, 27, and Alicia Doudna, 31, are engaged to be married. The two were traveling through Jackson County’s Parma Township heading to the other side of the state on Kratzat’s birthday when their Honda Civic was clipped by a westbound semi truck.

Kratzat, a passenger in the car, was flown to the University of Michigan Medical Center from the scene and Doudna later followed in a flight from Jackson’s Allegiance Health hospital.

A benefit concert was held last week at the Canterbury House in honor of the couple, who are widely recognized for their musical talent. Kratzat travels nationally as a bass player and Doudna has offered violin lessons at the Kerrytown Concert House for several years.

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Andrew Kratzat and Alicia Doudna

Courtesy photo

Both Kratzat’s and Doudna’s parents have offered almost daily updates on the blog as they remain hospitalized in critical condition at the University of Michigan Medical Center.

Donation accounts have been organized so that friends and neighbors can help with continued medical costs.

An entry posted Aug. 2 updated Doudna’s condition:

“Alicia is still dreaming peacefully in a coma, and she has been in a comatose state since the accident. We know from her exams and CT scans that the initial injury to her brain was very severe, even before the swelling began. The swelling in her brain starts and stops, and the doctors say this is to be expected at this stage … At present it is still too soon to say for certain how she’ll do over time. It may be awhile before we will get any indication of what Alicia’s long-term recovery will be. We believe in the power of positive thought and in order for Alicia to believe she can do this, WE have to believe she can.”

Family celebrated Doudna’s 31st birthday on Sunday. One blog poster wrote about the celebration:

“I read out loud to her every single one of her birthday messages … The hospital staff gave the Doudnas a birthday cake to share with their friends here, and we all celebrated Alicia’s birthday together.”

A writer on Wednesday shared news on Andrew’s continued recovery:

“This morning he opened his eyes for quite awhile — didn’t see recognition, but encouraging ... . Physically, he continues to improve, breathing on his own more frequently. ...

“Our meeting with the neuro team yesterday was difficult. Their prognosis is not positive, but we continue to believe. Your posts, cards, visits, meals, gifts and calls give both families strength—thank you."

Heidi Fenton covers police and courts for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at heidifenton@annarbor.com or 734-623-4673. You also can follow her on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.

Comments

mama247

Fri, Aug 12, 2011 : 1:41 p.m.

This is so sad. We hope the best for these two talented individuals.

Paul Keller

Fri, Aug 12, 2011 : 12:27 p.m.

I pray for Andrew's and Alicia's full a speedy recovery. Andrew studied jazz bass with me at UM. I have the highest respect for him as a musician and as a person. My heart breaks for the families of these two beautiful young people. May God comfort their families and restore both Andrew and Alicia to good health.

Jessica Webster

Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 9:32 p.m.

Praying for them here. I don't know them personally, but we have many friends in common, and I'm a big fan of Andrew's playing with the Hot Club of Detroit.

Matt Whale

Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 8:36 p.m.

I'm praying for them.

lisam

Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 4:40 p.m.

Thank you for the updates. I have been following this story and I am praying that they will recover. This was so tragic. I know they are in the hands of the best medical staff.

Linda Peck

Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 4:38 p.m.

Heartfelt prayers for the Alicia and Andrew to heal and be well, and for their families and friends to have all of the blessings they need to support each other.