SouthernWorldwide.com – Leah Stewart, an Australian mother and teacher, is finding strength and inspiration from global messages of support as she navigates a challenging recovery after losing an arm in a shark attack at Sydney’s Coogee Beach.
Her brother, Joshua Stewart, shared in a GoFundMe update on Sunday that Leah has been reading the “beautiful messages” from well-wishers around the world during her sleepless nights.
“We’ve been sharing some of the beautiful messages we’ve received with Leah and she’s loved them, finding inspiration from the care and love you’ve all shared,” he stated.
He added that Leah has experienced difficult days, but the kindness and support from others have provided her with significant strength.
Stewart has been struggling with sleep as she recovers and has been drawing comfort from the outpouring of support from her family, friends, and even strangers.
Joshua Stewart explained that on nights when Leah has trouble sleeping, she rereads messages not only from her family and community in Australia and her whānau in New Zealand but also from people worldwide.
He noted that these messages have provided her with “real comfort and strength,” using the Maori word “whānau” for family.
The attack occurred on June 13, when Stewart, a mother to a one-year-old daughter and a dedicated teacher, was swimming close to the shore and within the designated flags at Coogee Beach during her morning swim, according to her family.
She sustained life-threatening injuries, including multiple bites to her arms and legs, severe lacerations, fractures, and significant blood loss.
Following the incident, she was placed on life support, induced into a medically-managed coma, and underwent multiple surgeries in the days that followed.
Her treatment necessitated the amputation of one arm, and her family indicated that further surgeries were scheduled as medical professionals worked to save her life and stabilize her condition.
Stewart awoke from her 10-day coma after doctors reduced her sedation. Her first words to her mother and partner, Fernando, were “I love you.” Her brother mentioned at the time that her initial thoughts were focused on her young daughter, August.
Joshua Stewart described this moment as a hopeful first step in her recovery, acknowledging that Leah “has a long road ahead.”
He also extended an apology for any delays in responding to supporters, citing issues with the GoFundMe messaging system.
“Leah is beyond overwhelmed at the amazing support she has received and that her story has resonated with so many people,” he wrote, expressing gratitude.
The GoFundMe fundraiser was initiated to assist Stewart, her partner, and their young daughter through what her family described as a devastating situation.
The funds raised are intended to support her recovery, the acquisition of prosthetics, rehabilitation, ongoing medical care, and the significant life adjustments she will need as she works towards resuming her life as a mother.
Her family also expressed their gratitude to the lifesavers, first responders, the helicopter crew, and the medical team at St. Vincent’s Hospital for their crucial care and assistance to Stewart after the attack.
“As a family we are shocked and devastated that this could happen to our beloved partner, daughter and mother who is so full of life and energy,” Joshua Stewart stated, reflecting the family’s profound distress.
