Leah Stewart, an Australian mother and teacher who lost an arm in a shark attack at Sydney’s Coogee Beach, has been finding inspiration in messages from supporters worldwide as she undergoes a lengthy recovery. Her brother, Joshua Stewart, shared in a GoFundMe update that Stewart reads these messages during 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 wrote. "Leah has had some challenging days but has found real strength from your kindness and support."
Stewart, who is a mother to a one-year-old daughter and a teacher, was attacked on June 13 while swimming close to shore at Coogee Beach. The incident resulted in life-threatening injuries, including multiple bites, lacerations, fractures, and significant blood loss. She was placed on life support and in a medically induced coma, undergoing multiple surgeries. Her treatment ultimately required the amputation of one arm, with further surgeries scheduled to stabilize her condition.
Upon waking from her 10-day coma, Stewart's first words to her mother and partner, Fernando, were "I love you." Her brother noted that her immediate thoughts were with her young daughter.
"Leah has a long road ahead," Joshua Stewart said, describing her waking as a hopeful first step in her recovery. The family has apologized for any delays in responding to messages, citing issues with the GoFundMe system. Stewart's brother added that she is "beyond overwhelmed at the amazing support she has received and that her story has resonated with so many people."
The GoFundMe fundraiser aims to support Stewart, her partner, and their daughter through the challenges ahead, covering recovery costs, prosthetics, rehabilitation, and necessary adjustments for her return to daily life and motherhood. The family also expressed gratitude to the lifesavers, first responders, helicopter crew, and the medical team at St. Vincent’s Hospital for their care following 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.