Zoe Hoffman: Horror bike accident sees girl, 13, lose her leg and break her neck as she battles for life in hospital and her family issue desperate plea
The family of a teenage girl who was hit by a car while cycling have revealed the extent of her horrific injuries.
Zoe Hoffman, 13, suffered horrific injuries when she got off her bike after being hit by a car near Mount Pleasant, 5km north of Mackay.
Zoe, who was airlifted to Townsville University Hospital, broke her neck and lost one of her legs in the accident.
She is currently in intensive care and doctors advise she should wear a ‘halo’ due to her injuries.
Zoe Hoffman, 13, suffered horrific injuries when she got off her bike after being hit by a car near Mount Pleasant, Queensland
Halo rings are mainly used for injuries to the upper part of the spine (neck) and provide firm immobilization of the neck and head.
a GoFundMe page was set up by the family, with the money going to the necessary equipment and adjustments needed for the parental home.
“My beautiful 13-year-old niece Zoe was involved in a terrible accident where she was hit by a car while cycling,” organizers wrote on the page.
‘Her family faces a very challenging journey with enormous emotional and physical tolls.
“We are reaching out to our community and to all friends and family of the Hoffman’s who have indicated they would like to provide financial support.”
Organizers said they expected Zoe’s recovery to be a “long journey” and they also hoped to raise money to help relatives who had to travel to visit the teenager in hospital.
“Your generous support will enable Zoe to continue to have her family by her side while she receives medical treatment in Townsville,” they wrote.
“Every gesture of kindness is greatly appreciated, your compassion and generosity mean more than words can express.”
The teen broke her neck and lost one of her legs in the accident (photo is a stock image)
One GoFundMe contributor sent her well wishes to the injured teen.
“Zoe, I miss my little bus passenger in the front seat,” they said.
‘You’ve had a terrible time and I hope you can get through this and be your beautiful self again soon.
‘Don’t be too impatient because this will take time, but you can do it. Thinking of you.’
Organizers have raised more than $4,000 so far, with a goal of $20,000.