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

Sadie McDonald, a 19-year-old Stevens Institute of Technology student, faces a long recovery due to a rare genetic disorder.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A 19-year-old Stevens Institute of Technology student named Sadie McDonald was struck by a car while walking in Hoboken, New Jersey last year. Due to a rare genetic condition, McDonald's recovery has been complicated, requiring multiple surgeries and ongoing medical care. Her mother has started a GoFundMe to help cover the high costs of her daughter's treatment and living expenses.

Why it matters

This story highlights the challenges faced by individuals with rare genetic disorders, who often struggle with complex medical issues that can be exacerbated by unexpected accidents or injuries. It also underscores the financial burden that can come with prolonged medical treatment, especially for families already dealing with other health concerns.

The details

Sadie McDonald was struck by a car while walking near Eighth and Garden streets in Hoboken on July 2, 2025. She suffered a severe head laceration and a shattered clavicle, requiring emergency surgery. McDonald's recovery has been complicated by her diagnosis of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a genetic connective tissue disorder that affects healing. She has undergone multiple surgeries, including one in October 2025 after her shoulder did not mend and an internal steel plate snapped, and another in December when the plate failed again and protruded through her skin, leading to an infection and a third major surgery.

  • Sadie McDonald was struck by a car on July 2, 2025.
  • She underwent surgery in October 2025 after her shoulder did not mend.
  • In December, the plate failed again and she had to be taken by ambulance to the Emergency Room on Christmas Eve.

The players

Sadie McDonald

A 19-year-old Stevens Institute of Technology student who was struck by a car in Hoboken and is facing a long recovery due to a rare genetic condition.

Sadie McDonald's mom

She started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover the high costs of her daughter's medical treatment and living expenses, as the family has run out of extra funds.

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What they’re saying

“Sadie doesn't want a handout; she wants her life back. She wants to be the strong, productive engineer she was meant to be.”

— Sadie McDonald's mom (GoFundMe)

What’s next

The family is applying for assistance, but the process is slow. The GoFundMe campaign is still active and seeking to reach its $3,000 goal to help cover Sadie's ongoing medical expenses and living costs.

The takeaway

This story highlights the significant challenges faced by individuals with rare genetic disorders, who often struggle with complex medical issues that can be exacerbated by unexpected accidents or injuries. It underscores the importance of community support and access to resources for families dealing with the financial and emotional burdens of prolonged medical treatment.