First-year student Molly Offstein of Frostburg, Maryland, was seriously injured on March 7 when she was hit by a car while out for a morning run.
Offstein was struck by a vehicle at University Drive and North O’Kelly Avenue about 7:30 a.m. on Monday, March 7, while out for a run.
Offstein remains in critical condition at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, with her family, friends and university staff there to support her. Her family has asked that people not attempt to visit her at this time, and requests that the university community continue prayers for her recovery.
Catholic mass held in the Sacred Space on Friday also included prayers for Offstein and throughout the day, the Sacred Space and McBride Gathering Space were open for people to come by for personal prayer or reflection in support of Offstein. Those visiting had the opportunity to write a note of support to her, with a basket collecting the notes filling up by midday.
Friday’s gatherings followed a vigil Thursday night for Offstein, with more than 100 coming together at the Jerry and Jeanne Robertson Track and Field Complex to share words of support and wishes for recovery. Organized by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the hour-long assembly included remarks from clergy and from head cross country coach Nick Polk, who spoke of her drive to excel at running. “She was up at 7 a.m. going for a run because that’s just who she was – she was tough, she was going to do anything she could to get better,” Polk said.
Following the vigil, students went to the Walker Room of Alumni Field House to make cards for Offstein and support one another.
Members of the community who wish to send messages or cards to Offstein and her family should send or bring them to Chaplain Fuller at the Numen Lumen Pavilion front desk, so she can deliver them when she visits Offstein and her family in the coming days.