New Updates On Ramsey Teen Hospitalized After Mahwah Crash

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Cassie Acaro, a Ramsey teen who was among four high school students in a car crash in Mahwah last month, is still in a hospital intensive care unit and is in stable condition, according to updates this week on her GoFundMe page.

Relatives said that blood transfusions, or "vampire snacks," were helping her, and reminded community members that donating blood can save lives (see link).

Acaro was airlifted to St. Joseph's University Medical Center on Friday night, Nov. 17, after she was riding in a car that hit a light pole in Mahwah around 11:07 p.m.

Firefighters had to extricate Acaro from the back of the vehicle, while the three other teens were able to get out of the car, said Mahwah Police Lt. Michael Blondin. She was airlifted to St. Joseph's University Medical Center.

A GoFundMe had raised $42,811 by Tuesday afternoon.

At first, Acaro was in a medically induced coma, wrote her friend, Calie Simons, last month.

'Vampire Snacks' And Lollipop Incentives

On Sunday, Jennifer Acaro gave a new update:

December 3rd, day 16 in ICU — all stable.

...Cass is such a fierce gal, she's so strong. I know if our situation was reversed she'd be driving down to visit me every single day, being a passionate advocate for my care. Patiently impatient, if that makes any sense.

Whew okay, deep breaths right, today is one day closer to Cassie fully healing. One thing I hadn't mentioned in this blur of days — early on they gave Cass a pint of blood. And yesterday she got another, as red blood cells were low and heart rate high most of the day. Dad called it her vampire snack and she really perked up. Still moving around a lot, slow-kicking the nurses when they're working with her. (We have very patient, amazing nurses!)

Please consider giving blood for anyone else needing a pint+. Min age 18. If you're near us, check out NYBC.org — scroll to bottom for location. Paramus and Rockland appts. There's always a need and it's not something I've thought about for awhile but the universe is giving me a big nudge to get back to donating on a regular basis.

Thank you all for your healing thoughts. Hugs to you all.

And on Tuesday, she noted:

Yesterday I was feeling stuck, like asking WHY and hate to go down that road but we all do, right. Not that she knew what I was ruminating, but the nurse suggested we tempt Cass with a lollypop, which likely isn't how the Occupational Therapist was trying to get her to think about eating. Took 2 tries and she tentatively tasted it and although no smile yet you could feel a smile.

So that got us laughing with her and talking about how tiny progress IS still progress. One step at a time. (Later the nurse brushed her teeth, which was not as pleasant, of course, and she told Cass we could tell she was giving us the stink-eye about it.)

Hug your friends, hug your family. See the tiny progress in your own life. One little step at a time.

GoFundMe And How To Donate Blood

The crash occurred near a fork in Darlington Road. The Mahwah Police Department and Bergen County Sheriff's Office are investigating. READ MORE: Girl Helicoptered To Hospital After Car With 4 Teens Crashes In Mahwah

See the GoFundMe here.

Sign up to donate blood in New Jersey here.