Timmy McDonnell, The Amazing Save

10/04/2026

12 years ago today Timmy was critically injured by a drunk driver while attending Rutgers University. It was a day that changed his life and our families forever.The first thing we were told after arriving at RWJ was chances of him surviving his injuries were slim and that he was the sickest person in the critical care unit.They told us we should notify our church and it would take a miracle for him to ever walk or talk again.They told us a recovery would be nothing short of a miracle. Well, Clare believes in miracles and if you remember "the best thing about miracles is they happen" Timmy's life is very difficult and at times very lonely but we get to see him everyday.It's not how we envisioned our son's life turning out but it could of been worse.Timmy's story is very inspirational and 2 local filmmakers have been working on it for the past 5 years.Nick Marchese,the founder of the Monmouth Film Festival and his partner Pat Brask hope to have it available for viewing in the first half of 2027..Nick was a student at Holmdel HS when Timmy was there.Thanks for following Timmy's story and special thanks to all the doctors,nurses,therapists and friends who helped us along the way...Love Tim, Clare Mcdonnell ,Timmy,Matt and Lucy

07/11/2026

10/08/2025

Some more pictures from Kyle Nodes wedding

10/04/2025

Hello friends, today marks 11 years since Timmy almost lost his life to a drunk driver.He survived but his brain injury has made his life very difficult.We are very proud of him and he is truly the Amazing Save and as parents we couldn't be any prouder. Special thanks to his friends who invite him to their weddings and special occasions. It is his only social activity and we appreciate it. Over the years we have we documented his long recovery and hope to have a short film on his amazing story done soon.It will be very inspirational..."Remember the most astonishing thing about miracles is they happen". Love Tim,Clare,Timmy,Matt and Lucy

01/09/2025

Thank you to everyone who wished Timmy a happy birthday....every day is a gift as he continues to try and recover from his injuries...Hoping for a great 2025....Tim and Clare

01/07/2025

Timmy turns 31 today...He has come a long way since his 21st birthday at Kessler...Keep fighting and never stop believing...good things will happen...love Mom and Dad

10/04/2024

10/04/2024

Hello friends, today is October 4th 2024 and exactly 10 years since Timmy was hit by a drunk driver and almost lost his life. A day that changed his life forever. We remember meeting with his surgeon, Dr. Tiagi , after he had survived his critical injuries and her telling us that we would know more after 10 years..So today is another milestone for him..... In January of this year we had a party for his 30th birthday that was much different from his 20th birthday at Kessler It was attended by friends,coaches and former teammates. He also got to see Dr. Tiagi ,the Neurosurgeon who saved his life. In February he met Erik Legrand who was doing physical therapy at Kessler when Timmy was there.. Erik wanted to meet Timmy. In September Timmy started working at Elizabeth Truck Center after 8 years in the Holmdel school system.The truck center is owned by our friend and ex neighbor Anthony Pesche. He is trying to teach Timmy a trade .We couldn't be more thankful..... ...... .... . Timmys social life is limited and he spends most of his time at home with us Sadly some of his friends have moved on and he hasn't been invited to some special events but tonight he is attending his good friend Mark Sabetell's wedding.He is very excited ...Special thanks to his friends who stay in touch with him..It means alot to us.. .. .... Timmy has fought like hell to recover from his injuries and we have tried to document the ups and downs of his recovery and there have been many.Sometime in 2025 we will be releasing a documentary that will tell his story from the day he was hit till now. It has been an emotional ride and our family couldn't be more proud of our AMAZING SAVE.....Remember "The most astonishing thing about miracles is they happen" Thank you from Tim,Clare,Timmy and Matt