WHIPPANY PARK, N.J. (1010 WINS) — A New Jersey high school soccer star was seriously injured in an SUV collision last week, and her family detailed the crash and what she faces in her recovery in a GoFundMe page requesting help with medical expenses.
Molly Mack, 18, was seriously injured when two SUVs collided on Route 24 in Morris County at about 12:23 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27, according to New Jersey State Police.
Molly was in an SUV that was struck and overturned, leaving her seriously injured. The other three people in her vehicle suffered minor injuries, as did the driver of the other SUV.
“Just days removed from her 18th birthday, with her whole life ahead of her, she now faces a long, challenging journey of healing and recovery,” the GoFundMe page reads.
As of Monday afternoon, the fundraiser has received over 1,400 donations and raised nearly $140,000, 70% of the $200,000 goal. The funds will be used for a variety of medical expenses, according to the fundraiser’s organizers Jennifer Hamill Gullace and Thomas Hamill, who refer to Molly as their niece.
“The mounting medical bills will surely be overwhelming, and she’ll be facing expenses that insurance doesn’t fully cover,” the page reads. “From surgeries, to physical therapy, medical equipment and unexpected travel costs, the financial burden will become too much to bear alone. We are humbly asking for your help to give Molly the best chance at a full recovery.”
Any funds that are not used will be donated to the ICU Trauma Unit at Morristown Medical Center, the Hamills said.
Molly, who the Hamills described as “a bright, spirited young [woman] with a passion for soccer, a true leader on and off the field,” is in her senior year at Whippany Park High School and captain of the girls soccer team.
She was planning to continue her soccer career next year at High Point University in North Carolina, but must first recover from her extensive injuries. Molly was left with multiple neck fractures, swelling of the spine, broken ribs and a broken arm, and a collapsed lung.
“She survived and endured a spinal fusion surgery earlier this week to relieve pressure on her spine and stabilize her neck,” the page reads. “While we are grateful she is still with us, the road to recovery is a long one with countless therapy sessions, medical appointments, and possibly more surgeries along the way.”
WPHS Athletics will hold Molly Mack Day on Nov. 21, to align with Molly’s soccer number, 21. A co-ed match will be held that night at 6 p.m. between the school’s boys and girls soccer teams “to support Molly’s favorite game.”
The WPHS PTO and Girls Soccer Booster Club is also selling t-shirts and bracelets to support her, with all donations going to the Mack family.
“Molly is more than just an athlete, she is a wonderful and kind person,” the Girls Soccer Booster Club wrote in a tribute post. “We ask that everyone keep Molly, her mom, dad, brothers, the WP Girls Soccer Team, and her friends in your thoughts as we wish her a speedy and full recovery. #WeAreMollyMackStrong.”