POINT PLEASANT – Emma Mae is home, and has a long journey ahead of her for a full recovery.
Her mother, Stephanie Gnolfo, offered this update to Jersey Shore Online.
“Emma-Mae was badly injured from the impact of the crash. The worst of her injuries is a traumatic brain injury. Unfortunately, brain injuries can cause a myriad of issues. Loss of memory, mood, concentration and processing issues. These can be especially frustrating to adolescents. Without a brain injury, teenagers are dealing with social interaction, relationships, educational challenges and determining their path to the future. As any parent of an adolescent will tell you, these years can be challenging. Superimpose a brain injury and you have a lot to deal with. It could be a long road to recovery,” Gnolfo said. “Despite this, with the proper treatment and lots of therapy we are optimistic that she will overcome these obstacles and go on to live a normal life, but she has a long journey ahead of her.”
Emma Mae, 14, was riding her bicycle with two friends the night of Aug. 9 on Route 88 when she was allegedly struck by 26-year-old Brittany Keifer, who was arrested the next day.
Emma was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where she received treatment for her injuries.
No update is available on Keifer or who is currently representing her.
