Mom, who lost arm in horrific great white shark attack, wakes up from medically induced coma to say these three words
Key Points:
- Leah Stewart, a 35-year-old mom and teacher, woke briefly from a medically induced coma to tell her family "I love you" after losing her arm in a great white shark attack off Coogee Beach, Sydney.
- She was attacked about 100 feet from shore while swimming with her baby daughter nearby and sustained severe injuries, including multiple bites, fractures, and extreme blood loss.
- Stewart was rescued and stabilized by an off-duty lifeguard and a critical care doctor on the beach, and remains in ICU requiring ongoing intensive medical care and multiple surgeries.
- Her family views her brief awakening and first words as a hopeful sign in her long-term recovery, with her brother calling it a "miracle" after a week on life support.
- A GoFundMe campaign has raised over AU$505,000 to support her recovery, nearing its AU$550,000 goal.