12-year-old bitten by shark moved to Charlotte hospital for rehab

A 12-year-old girl who lost her left arm to a shark off Oak Island last month has moved from N.C. Children’s Hospital in Chapel Hill to Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, where she is expected to complete an inpatient rehabilitation program.

Kiersten Yow of Asheboro was also bitten in the leg on June 14. Her doctor, surgeon Bill Adamson, issued a statement Monday saying that Yow has made tremendous progress in her recovery.

“With the skin grafts sufficiently healed, she was permitted to begin walking with assistance again on July 8,” Adamson said. “Already she is walking under her own power, increasing in both strength and distance each day.”

Adamson credited Yow’s recovery to her care team and Yow herself, describing her as “a remarkable young lady, very independent and motivated to push her limits every day.

“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.”

Kiersten’s parents, Laurie and Brian Yow, also released a statement, saying that Monday marked the 30th day their lives were changed forever.

They note that although her doctors expect their daughter to complete the program in Charlotte in three weeks, Kiersten, “determined as ever,” expects to complete the program in two.

“That’s our girl!” the Yows stated.

The couple said they were still not ready to talk publicly about the family’s experience but promised to keep the community updated through their Facebook page, Kiersten Yow Support.

This story was originally published July 13, 2015 at 10:37 PM with the headline "12-year-old bitten by shark moved to Charlotte hospital for rehab."