Australian shark attack victim grateful for 'second chance at life'
Leah Stewart was mauled by a shark in June, suffering multiple bites to her arms and legs.
An Australian woman who survived a shark attack at a popular Sydney beach earlier this year has expressed gratitude for a "second chance at life," vowing to make the most of it.
Leah Stewart, 35, was attacked by a shark while swimming at Coogee Beach in June. She sustained multiple bites to her arms and legs during the incident, which occurred amidst a series of shark attacks in Australia. The mother-of-one was subsequently placed in an induced coma and underwent several surgeries, including the amputation of one arm.
In an online post on Monday, Stewart thanked her supporters who have collectively raised over AU$550,000 (US$394,000; £289,000) for her. She described her recovery as "incredibly difficult" but noted she is making "remarkable" progress.
"After what has been an incredibly difficult few months, I'm so happy that I've progressed enough to build some independence, and I can finally see some light after all of this," Stewart wrote in her first public comments since the attack. "I want you to know that I feel like I've been given a second chance at life, and I'm not going to waste it."
Stewart conveyed her overwhelming appreciation for the support from family, friends, and "even strangers," stating that their encouragement has "inspired me to get better, not bitter."
She announced that the online fundraiser for her would now be closed, explaining that the funds raised would enable her to recover at home and provide "options for further medical treatment down the road."
"I still have a long way to go, but my recovery has been remarkable, and a huge part of that is because of the absolute army of love, support, prayers and encouragement surrounding my family and I from all over the world," she added.
Australia has experienced a surge in shark attacks this year, including four incidents over a two-day period in January, one of which resulted in the death of a 12-year-old boy. In May, a man was killed by a shark in Queensland while spearfishing, and in Western Australia, a father-of-two died after being attacked by a 4-meter (13-foot) shark.