In an emotional update shared with supporters around the world, shark attack survivor Leah Stewart has officially closed her GoFundMe campaign, declaring that she feels she has been given a “second chance at life” and is determined not to waste it.
Following months of intense medical treatment and rehabilitation, Leah expressed overwhelming gratitude for the global outpouring of financial and emotional support that helped sustain her family through their darkest hours after she was attacked by a shark in June while on a morning swim in Coogee, Sydney.
The 35-year-old mum was taken to hospital in a critical condition after suffering bites on her legs and arms, as well as multiple fractures and blood loss, and was put in an induced coma. She underwent multiple surgeries, including the amputation of one of her arms.
Why Leah Stewart has shut down her GoFundMe page
After a challenging few months, Leah shared that she has regained significant independence and can finally see “light after all of this.” The progress has allowed her and her family to officially close donations on the fundraising page, with the final sum of donations standing at $558,925.
“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,” Leah wrote.
“At this point, I think it’s appropriate for us to turn off donations on the GoFundMe, because what you’ve offered has given us enough to recover, to stay in our home, and to give us options for further medical treatment down the road.”
While acknowledging that her recovery journey is far from over, Stewart credited her progress to the global community that rallied around her.
“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 said.
‘A second chance at life’
Despite the trauma of the attack and the long road ahead, Leah assured her supporters that she was determined to make the most of what she calls her “second chance”.
“Once again, I don’t feel like I can say thank you enough. 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,” she said.
“As I get better, I know I’ll make something of this second chance and aim to give back even more in generosity, care, and love. I will forever be grateful for everything, and everyone, I’ve been given.
You’ve inspired me to get better, not bitter.”
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