Girl bitten by shark making 'tremendous progress'

Kiersten Yow, whose left arm was bitten off and left leg seriously damaged in the June 13 attack, is walking on her own and getting stronger each day, said Dr. Bill Adamson, surgeon-in-chief at UNC Children’s Hospital in Chapel Hill.

“Kiersten will most certainly continue to improve in rehab, where she will focus on increasing her strength, balance and range of motion and on learning how to use her left arm in her daily activities as efficiently and effectively as possible,” he said in a statement. “We expect great things of Kiersten and are anxious to follow her progress on the road to recovery.”

Yow has been transferred to Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte to complete an inpatient rehabilitation program.

Adamson credited Yow’s care team for her progress, which he said was also a testament to her perseverance.

“Kiersten is a remarkable young lady, very independent and motivated to push her limits every day,” he said. “Her determination and positive attitude have enabled her to make steady progress and will serve as her greatest allies, alongside her loving family, in the coming weeks.”

Yow’s parents, Laurie and Brian Yow, have declined requests for interviews but released a statement expressing appreciation for their daughter’s care.

“Kiersten’s doctors have told us to expect to be in Charlotte at least three weeks, but determined as ever, Kiersten insists she’ll complete the program in two. That’s our girl!” they said.

They also thanked the public for the outpouring of support the family has received.

“This experience, though traumatic, has shown us the true kindness and generosity of the human spirit. Having friends and strangers alike rally behind Kiersten has made the experience easier and is something we will never forget!” they said.