Kiersten Yow: North Carolina student reflects on life after surviving shark attack where she lost arm
ASHEBORO, NORTH CAROLINA: Kiersten Yow, a sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill, is opening up for the first time since a shark attacked her in 2015 when she was just 12 years old. Yow was bitten twice in the attack and she lost the portion of her arm below the elbow and injured her left leg.
"It definitely gave me a greater appreciation for life," Yow told WFMY News. Yow's life was nearly cut short 8 years ago while playing in waist-deep waters at Oak Island when she was attacked by a bull shark. "At one point, it let go of my leg and got onto my arm, and came around and faced me. That's when it was in front of me and that's when I started punching it with this hand," explained Yow. She eventually managed to break free from the shark's grasp, "I saw a bloody mess. As I was walking out of the water, I looked to check to see if my hand was still there and it wasn't."
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Yow has undergone 20+ surgeries since the incident
Onlookers quickly intervened, using a boogie board leash to help control the bleeding. Yow spent a period of two months at UNC Children's Hospital where doctors worked tirelessly to save her left leg. In total, she has had to undergo more than 20 surgeries since the incident. She had to completely relearn how to walk and perform everyday activities with just one hand, including eating, cooking, and playing. Despite the challenges, Yow remains determined and committed to rehabilitation, running daily to strengthen her leg.
"My leg is still weak because I'm missing parts of muscle and hamstring so my knee sometimes gives out." Yow still finds it challenging to adapt to people staring at her prosthetic limb. "I really don't like it. I really hate it especially because I'm a very introverted, anxious person."
Yow has been able to overcome her nightmares related to the shark attack, but she still struggles with a fear of water. However, after nearly eight years, she recently faced her fear and stepped into the ocean for the first time since the terrifying incident. "It's very scary. I went in and out a few times. It was scary every time. I'm constantly looking at my feet and around me... Terrifying, when I get to the point where I can't see my feet anymore, that's when the fear gets the strongest," she said.
'An inch or two at a time'
She recently wrote on Facebook about her experience, "This past week I went on a beach trip with some friends. Despite the years that have passed, it's still hard sometimes to face the feeling of sand in my hand or waves crashing into me. I have found though, that support from friends and family helps me feel stronger and braver. With each beach trip, I test myself a little more, by going a bit deeper into the ocean. I think that is one of the best ways to deal with whatever you may be struggling with, an inch or two at a time. I wanted to come on here and share these photos and some positivity."
