Sara Goffredo of Mahwah is hospitalized in New Brunswick where brain-injury specialists are caring for her.
Sara Goffredo (Family photo) MAHWAH - On May 17, after an evening of shopping with her mother, Sara Goffredo began to experience breathing problems.
Her mother, Linda, called 911 immediately. As help arrived, the 15-year-old Mahwah High School sophomore's condition worsened.
Sara was taken to Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, where she arrived in cardiac arrest. EMTs were able to revive, intubate and stabilize Sara but she suffered from loss of oxygen to the brain.
She has not regained consciousness and remains hospitalized.
Friends and family are hoping to raise enough money to help pay for long-term expenses for Sara's rehabilitation.
Sara "is a vibrant, smart and loving girl," wrote Eddie Miller of Mahwah, who created a GoFundMe page in Sara's name.
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In less than a month $60,000 has been raised to help Sara and her family.
According to the GoFundMe page, Sara loves to sing and has acted in many stage performances. "She has many friends and loves spending time with them. Her family and friends mean the world to her. She is kind to all and loves to spend time with people."
On June 1, Sara was transferred to Children's Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick, where doctors who specialize in treating children with brain injuries are caring for her.
Although the family's health insurance has helped cover some of the bills, the acute care coverage is limited and will eventually run out, according to the GoFundMe page.
The family says doctors have not yet determined how long Sara will be hospitalized but they are hoping for donations to help cover long-term expenses and rehabilitation.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.