COLEBROOKDALE TOWNSHIP, Pa.- One week after police say 63-year-old Catherine Carpenter was hit by a car while running on Mountain Road in Colebrookdale Township, she remains in the hospital, and her family has not left her side.
“Unfortunately, she has lost a few organs, has several broken bones, and is still critical, yet in stable condition. She is still intubated and unable to communicate with us,” says Catherine’s oldest daughter, Rebecca Garthe.
The family has continued to find strength in support from the community.
“We are hearing all the prayers that everybody is extending towards her. We are thankful for the love and outreach of the running community,” says Garthe.
Carpenter is an avid trail runner and participated in many events with Pretzel City Sports. The organization is hoping to inspire an influx of cards to be sent to encourage Catherine on her road to recovery.
“The doctors here are stating, you know, this is not short term, this is a marathon,” says Garthe. “I just keep saying, well thank God she’s an ultra-marathon runner.”
The crash is still under investigation. Police say the person who hit her did stop and call for help. Catherine’s family says this situation will hopefully help to encourage drivers and pedestrians alike to be more careful.
“That’s a big lesson in all of this,” says Garthe, “Is whether or not you might feel that you are seen, you could potentially not be seen.”
If you’d like to send a card to Catherine Carpenter, it can be sent to 726 Sawmill Rd. Boyertown, PA 19512 or Cathy Carpenter, c/o Pretzel City Sports, 112 W. 36th St., Reading, PA 19606.