Evancio has undergone several surgeries and will need to spend several months recovering in the hospital

Desiree Evancio has been left with life-threatening injuries after she was struck by a van on Oct. 12

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Friends and family have launched an online fundraiser to help a young woman who was left with horrific injuries after she was struck and dragged by a vehicle in the Downtown Eastside.

Desiree Evancio has been left with life-threatening injuries after she was struck at 12:30 a.m. on Oct. 12.

Evancio was dragged for a number of blocks by the vehicle. The driver, who may have been impaired at the time of the incident, was in a commercial van, towing a trailer at the time.

At Vancouver General Hospital, Evancio has shown signs of consciousness, but remains in critical condition and has undergone multiple surgeries.

The 24-year-old was walking near East Hastings and Jackson when she was hit by a driver who apparently didn't realize he had struck her. He kept driving his commercial van, towing a small trailer, with Evancio pinned underneath until coming to a stop at Hastings and Columbia. pic.twitter.com/gg6bjCPR83 — Monika Gul (@MonikaGul) October 16, 2019

The 24-year-old is from Ontario, and her sister is the only immediate family member she has in B.C.

“Desiree is my sister and best friend. We are all in shock that an accident as severe could ever happen and when it happens to the person you love and care for the most you are sometimes in disbelief,” says Ashley Dahn, one of the people organizing the GoFundMe campaign.

Dahn says Evancio will have another surgery to reconstruct her face, with her jaw broken in three places.

She is asking for donations for Evancio’s recovery, surgeries and the addition of a prosthetic eye.

Evancio is described as "an adventurous, full of life, always up for a good time and a laugh, free-spirited young woman." Alcohol is believed to be a factor. While the driver was taken into custody after crash, he was released shortly after as @VancouverPD investigate. @NEWS1130 — Monika Gul (@MonikaGul) October 16, 2019

Evancio is expected to remain in hospital for several months.

She was hit in the area of Hastings Street between Columbia Street and Jackson Avenue, and was apparently dragged for several blocks before the driver realized what had happened.

The driver, a man from the United States, was taken into custody but has since been released.