Teen With 'Bright Spirit' Fights To Recover After Being Hit In Howell

HOWELL, NJ — Mia Martinez loves to dance. She's a top student and loves spending time with family and friends.

"Like most teenagers her age, Mia has many friends who care deeply about her, and she is also a top student in her class, known for her bright spirit and gentle heart," a family friend says.

Mia, 13, is fighting to recover after she was hit by a vehicle in front of her home, family friend Arielle Vizzini wrote on a GoFundMe campaign to help raise money to cover her medical bills.

Authorities have not confirmed the identity of the female pedestrian who was hit on Route 547 near Maxim Road on Dec. 10, but have said the victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Vizzini, who identified herself as a family friend for 25 years, said Mia was hit as she was crossing the street as she returned home about 6 p.m. on Dec. 10.

Authorities are continuing to investigate and have asked that anyone who witnessed the crash to contact Howell Patrol Officer Kyle Bush at 732-938-4575, ext. 2667 or by email at kbush@howellpolice.org.

Vizzini said Mia is one of five children and described her as "a kind and loving young girl who loved to dance."

Because of her injuries, Mia will be hospitalized "for the foreseeable future as doctors fight to give her the best possible chance at life," Vizzini said.

"Mia will require multiple surgeries in the near future, with additional procedures likely as she continues her fight," she wrote. "Beyond that, she will need extensive long-term care, including — but not limited to — Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Cognitive Therapy, Neurological Care, and Pain Management therapies."

Vizzini said the hope is that the GoFundMe will ensure Mia's parents "can focus solely on being by Mia’s side — without the added fear of how they will manage mounting medical expenses."

"Anyone who knows the Martinez family knows how loving, close-knit, and devoted they are. They would do anything for their children, and right now they are facing every parent’s worst nightmare," she wrote.

"Please keep Mia Martinez and her family in your thoughts and prayers as she bravely fights for her life," Vizzini wrote.

Those who wish to donate to the GoFundMe can do so online.