On March 8, 2012, Katie Brannelly and Dom Rossi were severely injured when they were struck head on by a car in Norwood Center.

This Saturday, April 28, a benefit is being held by friends and family at the Old Colonial Café in an effort to offset medical costs for the families during their continued treatment.

The accident happened in front of Limey’s Pub on Washington St., just before midnight on that Thursday last month. Brannelly, Rossi and a third friend were crossing the street when they noticed the vehicle approaching. Rossi managed to push the third party out of harm's way, but he and Brannelly were struck and knocked to the ground.

Both Brannelly and Rossi were transported to the hospital with significant head trauma, among other injuries.

Elizabeth Pels, a friend of Brannelly and Rossi, said that Dom is currently undergoing rehabilitation a couple of days a week to bring him back to himself.

Katie was in the ICU for about three weeks, according to Pels, and has since been transferred to a rehabilitation center. She is still in a coma, but fighting as hard as she possibly can and making slight improvements.

"Dom is a hero and saved someone's life," Pels said. "Katie is a fighter and has had Dom at her side since he has been able to leave the hospital and do weekly rehabilitation."

The fundraiser is this Friday at the Olde Colonial Café from 4:00-7:00 p.m., and the cost of admission is $25. Green and white bracelets with "Katie and Dom" written on them will be sold - the green serving as admission to the event. The white bracelets are being sold for $10 by a few local area restaurants, including Limey's Pub. There will also be raffle items, and a silent auction at the event. All funds will go to towards the fund for Dom and Katie.

Donations for Katie and Dom will also be accepted after the benefit.

"The families should not have to have concerns or worries about anything else besides being at Dom and Katie's sides during this long recovery process," Pels said.

For more information, or to make a donation, contact katieanddom@gmail.com.