Emily Bowman Working Towards Recovery

The Woodstock woman seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident continues to make progress in her recovery.

According to the Bows for Bowman Facebook page, Emily Bowman, 20, appears to be writing answers in response to questions using various forms of technology. So far, she's been able to tell her parents where she wants to eat, what she wants for Christmas, what she wants to watch on TV and how she's feeling on any given day. 

Her mother Debbie Bowman also reported her daughter is now moving her legs and grasps objects.

"It's sort (of) like Christmas everyday because Emily seems to be doing little new things everyday or writing something new," her mom wrote on Dec. 17. 

However, Debbie Bowman said Emily still hasn't spoken or tried to make any sounds, and hasn't had much independent movement with her left hand or left leg. 

With the holidays approaching, Bowman said she's excited about being able to spend time with her family and for her daughter's friends to reconnect with Emily.

"I am really proud of how Em(ily) is doing," she said. "Even though it's slow she is really doing some good things now and hope and pray they continue." 

Bowman, a former Kennesaw State University student and Woodstock High School graduate, had been hospitalized in critical condition at Athens Regional Medical Center between Feb. 16 and March 8 when she was hit by a pick-up truck as she and a friend walked along Oak Street.

They were walking on the grassy shoulder, Athens-Clarke County investigators believe, when a pickup driven by William Wilson Heaton left the road and then hit Bowman from behind as he returned the vehicle to the road. He left the area and abandoned the truck, police believe. 

Heaton was arrested and charged with hit-and-run, driving under the influence, serious injury by vehicle, failure to maintain lane, reckless driving, and open container. 

In June, he was indicted by a Clarke County Grand Jury on 13 counts, including DUI, open container, reckless driving, serious injury by vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to report the accident and failure to maintain lane. 

Bowman was released from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite and returned home to a newly renovated home. 

The renovations, done by Roswell-based Sunshine on a Ranney Day, include converting the den on the main level into a room for her mother, which will allow her to be close to her daughter; converting the dining room into a bedroom for Bowman when she returns; remodeled a half-bathroom on the main level into a full handicap-accessible bathroom; remove carpeting and install new flooring in the main areas to accommodate Bowman's wheelchair; constructing a wheelchair ramp outside the front door of the home; and furnishing and decorating each of the new rooms. 

A golf tournament and silent auction that was held in October raised nearly $10,000 for the family. 

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