An Australian mother and teacher, Leah Stewart, has found solace and strength in heartfelt messages from supporters worldwide following a shark attack at Sydney’s Coogee Beach that resulted in the loss of her arm, according to her family.
In an update on GoFundMe shared on Sunday, her brother Joshua Stewart expressed gratitude, saying, “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.”
“Leah has faced some difficult days but has drawn real strength from your kindness and support,” he added, highlighting the impact of these messages.
In her journey to recovery, Leah Stewart has been grappling with sleepless nights, turning to the supportive words of family, friends, and even strangers during her most challenging times.
Joshua described how these messages have been a beacon of comfort, stating, “Since the incident, Leah has struggled with sleep, and on those nights she’s been reading back through your messages, not only from her family and community in Australia and her whānau in New Zealand but also from people all across the world.” These words have given her “real comfort and strength,” he noted, using the Māori term for family to emphasize the bond.
Stewart, mother to a 1-year-old daughter and passionate teacher, was attacked June 13 while on a morning swim close to shore and within the flags at Coogee Beach, according to her family. She suffered life-threatening injuries, including multiple bites across her arms and legs, lacerations, fractures and extreme blood loss.
She was placed on life support, put under a medically induced coma and underwent multiple surgeries in the days after the attack. Her treatment required the amputation of one arm, and the family said more surgeries were scheduled as doctors worked to save her life and stabilize her condition.
Stewart, who woke up from her 10-day coma after doctors reduced her sedation, told her mother and partner, Fernando, “I love you.” Her brother said at the time that her first thoughts were with her young daughter, August.
“Leah has a long road ahead,” Joshua Stewart wrote after she briefly woke, calling the moment a hopeful first step in her recovery.
Joshua Stewart said the family wanted to apologize for delays in responding to supporters, explaining they have had 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. “Thank you!”
The fundraiser was launched to help Stewart, her partner and their young daughter through what her family described as a heartbreaking situation. The money will support her recovery, prosthetics, rehabilitation, ongoing care and the major adjustments she will need as she works toward returning to life as a mother.
Her family also thanked the lifesavers, first responders, helicopter crew and medical team at St. Vincent’s Hospital who helped care for 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 wrote.