College Student Fights For Her Life After Being Struck By Car In Hoboken

HOBOKEN, NJ — A 19-year-old Stevens Institute of Technology student is facing a long recovery after being struck by a car in Hoboken last year, her mother says. What's worse, her body is slow to heal because of a rare disorder.

Sadie McDonald, whose family lives in Jersey City Heights, was struck by a car while walking near Eighth and Garden streets in Hoboken on July 2, her mom told Patch this week.

She needed emergency surgery for a severe head laceration and a shattered clavicle, her mom said.

"Due to her genetic condition, McDonald cannot work or attend school regularly," her mom wrote on a GoFundMe fundraiser she created.

"Sadie doesn't want a handout; she wants her life back. She wants to be the strong, productive engineer she was meant to be," she noted. "Every dollar, every share, and every prayer brings her one step closer to a day without pain."

McDonald's mom said that while she started the fundraiser last year, she has still not met the $3,000 goal, and the family has run out of extra funds.

Besides the high costs of copayments, transportation to specialists,and more, Sadie's mom was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease four years ago at age 50, she said.

Her daughter was diagnosed as a teen with Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). EDS is a genetic connective tissue disorder that affects healing, complicating her recovery.

The Crash

After the crash last summer, McDonald underwent two surgeries. The second took place in October 2025 after her shoulder did not mend and an internal steel plate snapped, her mom said.

Then, in December, the plate failed again and protruded through her skin, her mother said, forcing her to be taken by ambulance to the Emergency Room on Christmas Eve.

"Her incision ruptured and bled extensively, leading to an infection and a third major surgery," notes the fundraiser.

"Donations are being sought to cover copays for specialists and medications. These funds would also support rent and utilities for her apartment. Additionally, the support would help with specialized therapy for PTSD and depression, and care for her emotional support animal, Daffodil. The family is applying for assistance, but the process is slow."

Sadie McDonald said, "The past year I have been in extreme survival mode. Not only physically, but mentally, and financially. From not knowing when I’d find the 'right' doctor to help me, lacking support and community, and trying to make sure I’d have a place to sleep if I lost my financial aid. I have a roof over my head as of right now, which I am very thankful for, as well as an emotional support animal that helps keep me grounded. I hope to gain some financial strength, build a great team of doctors for myself, and find me again this year."

She added, "I want to have hobbies again, I want to find and display the talents I had lost. I want to wake up excited, instead of in pain. I know I can, I know am worthy, and I know I deserve a quality life. I’ve always thought of myself as strong, but I have honestly shocked myself, never realizing how strong that is. It is just a matter of remembering while believing that and pushing through times like this."

Sadie wasn't able to start her sophomore year at Stevens and hoped to take community college classes when she could, but has not been able to start those either, her family said.

McDonald said that the crash was judged to be neither party's fault, so the family is not getting money through that route.

The GoFundme is here.