Kathy Hall, the mother of the Temple student injured in a hit-and-run last week, is extending her gratitude to supporters with a new Facebook page.
The page, "Rachel Hall Temple Strong," will be used to provide updates on the 22-year-old's condition.
The Temple senior and goalie for the women's lacrosse team was riding her bicycle at North Park Avenue and Diamond Street late Wednesday when she was struck by a vehicle. She was taken to Temple University Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
"I want to thank everyone for the overwhelming support, love, and concern for Rachel during this distressing time," her mother wrote in a post Sunday night. "The doctors, nurses, and support staff have been wonderful in such a traumatic situation, both to Rachel and our family. I have a positive attitude and in my heart I know Rachel will pull through this, her time on this earth is not yet over."
While her mother remains hopeful of her daughter's recovery, she is concerned about the mental effects the accident may cause.
"As a mom, it is very difficult to see my daughter laying in a hospital bed unconscious with numerous tubes and wires, beeping machines, stitches and bruises, and constantly worrying what injury may have occurred to her brain," she wrote.
"All the bruises and scars will eventually fade and Rachel will physically look like Rachel, but I worry if she will be the Rachel as I know and love her. I worry she will not be the same person. That I may lose my Rachel and another Rachel will be in her place. All those things I love about my daughter may no longer exist. It’s really heartbreaking.
Police say an 18-year-old man came forward Thursday morning and admitted his involvement in the hit-and-run. The incident remains under investigation.