Recovery of Shark Attack Survivor Leah Stewart

Leah Stewart, an Australian mother and teacher who lost an arm due to a shark attack at Coogee Beach in Sydney, is currently facing a challenging recovery. Her family shared that she’s been spending countless sleepless nights reading supportive messages from people around the globe.

“We’ve been sharing some of the beautiful messages we’ve received with Leah, and she truly appreciates them. The compassion and love from everyone have really inspired her,” her brother, Joshua Stewart, mentioned in a GoFundMe update.

Despite facing difficult days, Leah has drawn strength from the kindness she’s encountered.

Struggling with sleep deprivation after the incident, Leah has found solace in the encouraging words from family, friends, and even strangers. As Joshua noted, “Ria has had trouble sleeping since the incident, spending her nights rereading messages from her family in Australia, her whānau in New Zealand, and well-wishers worldwide. These messages provide her a lot of comfort.”

Leah, who is a mother to a one-year-old daughter and passionate about teaching, was attacked on June 13 while swimming near the beach. She faced life-threatening injuries with multiple bites and severe blood loss, resulting in broken bones and extensive lacerations.

Following the attack, Leah was placed on life support, entered a medically induced coma, and underwent several surgeries. Unfortunately, one arm had to be amputated, but the family hopes more surgeries will stabilize her condition.

After waking from a ten-day coma, her first words were directed to her mother and partner, Fernando—“I love you.” Her brother noted that her immediate thoughts returned to her daughter, August.

Joshua remarked on the long road to recovery that Leah has ahead of her, labeling her awakening a hopeful first step.

The family also expressed regret for not responding sooner to supporters, attributing it to issues with the GoFundMe’s messaging system. Joshua underscored Leah’s gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, “Thank you!”

The GoFundMe was established to assist Leah, her partner, and daughter during this trying time. The donations are intended to aid in her recovery, prosthetics, rehabilitation, ongoing care, and to help her adjust as she aims to return to motherhood.

The family extended their gratitude to the paramedics and medical team at St Vincent’s Hospital for their care following the attack, expressing their shock and devastation at what has happened to their beloved family member. Joshua concluded, “She is full of life and energy.”