CSULB Student Hit by Car Last Year, Graduates This Year

A student athlete, who nearly died when she was struck by a car while running near Cal State Long Beach, walked across the stage today to receive a degree from the university.

Elizabeth Ramos, a former track/cross country runner, received her bachelor's of science degree in nutrition and dietetics, and hopes to pursue a medical degree to become a doctor following her near-death experience.

"Without my parents, I wouldn't be here today," Ramos said with tears in her eyes. "... I could have died and that scares me to have them think of that."

Ramos, who was originally set to graduate last year, was hit and nearly killed by a car while running near campus in February 2013. Doctors gave her a 50/50 chance of ever running again.

When she was taken to the hospital, she was not carrying any identification on her, so no one knew her identity for a few days. Since then, she has created and sold plastic ID tags that attach to shoelaces.

Her road to recovery has been long, working with a neurologist and other doctors.

"A month ago, I knew I was going to walk, but I didn't know if I was going to walk without a cane or without a brace," Ramos said.

Vincent Ramos said it was amazing to see his daughter walk across the stage.

"It's a miracle for our daughter to actually be physically walking ... up the stage to receive her diploma and just an honor," Ramos said.

--City News Service