The E. coli mystery continues haunting the Bennington area. Five children have been infected and one young boy is still fighting a long battle with the effects of the illness.

Two-year-old Nick Fritch is four years younger than his brother Eric but it hasn't stopped him from trying to keep up.

The boys' father Bret Fritch says, "He's kind of a bigger guy and would always follow his brother around and want to do what he can do. How far I can run or how far I can throw the ball."

That all changed suddenly in early October when Nick got sick from E. coli and wound up in intensive care at Children's Hospital.

On a few occasions his heart even stopped but he fought back each time.

Bret and his wife Jeanne have been on an emotional roller coaster.

Jeanne says, "Dealing with that, actually thinking he's gone and then now knowing he's still here and fighting every day."

On Monday, Nick was transferred to Madonna Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln.

His parents say he still has a long road ahead but of Friday they were encouraged by seeing him swallow on his own, move his feet and turn his eyes toward them.

Doctors hope in six weeks he'll be able to walk twenty five feet.

In the meantime the family continues to find strength in a wave of support.

Doctors say Nick does have some brain injuries. Just how much he'll be able to recover is not yet clear.

Saturday brings a show of emotional and financial support. Friends of the Fritch family will be holding a fund-raising event at the Sportsman Bar and Grill in Bennington. It begins at six o'clock and runs until closing.

Donations are also being accepted at the bank of Bennington, 12212 N. 156 Street, Bennington, NE 68007.

The Health Department never did find the source of the E. coli but they know it's all the same strain. They believe it was passed around the area person-to-person.