Shark attack survivor: 'I thought of my daughter and fought for life'

A Sydney teacher who lost an arm after a suspected great white shark attack is speaking out about her fight for survival and ongoing recovery. Lee Stewart, 34, was attacked on June 13 while swimming near the shore at Coogee Beach. The encounter left her with life-threatening injuries, requiring multiple surgeries and a medically induced coma. She ultimately had to have her arm amputated. Stewart described the shark as a "monster" and said the thought of her young daughter, Augie, fueled her determination to live. "I couldn't bear that. I didn't want her to grow up without a mother," Stewart said, recalling the terrifying moment. "I just thought, 'I have to fight and do everything I can to stay alive.'" Her recovery has progressed enough for her to regain some independence, and she expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. "I feel like I've been given a second chance at life, and I won't waste it," she stated. A GoFundMe campaign, initiated by her brother, raised nearly A$559,000 (293,000 pounds) for her rehabilitation, prosthetics, and continued medical care. Stewart announced that the fundraising effort is concluding, as the donations have sufficiently covered her recovery needs. Despite the long road ahead, she described her recovery as "remarkable," attributing much of it to the "army of love, support, prayers, and encouragement" she and her family have received globally.

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Her face was terrifying. I will never forget it. It was a monster.