“She remembers the whole event in detail, but for now is focused on resting and healing as her doctors support her in pain management, tests, regaining some movement and preparing her for further surgeries,” he wrote.
Leah Stewart was attacked by a great white shark on a morning swim. Photo / Leah Stewart
He added his sister wants to share the full story in the future but still has a lot of healing to do. Her remaining arm has severe tendon and nerve damage which will require further repair and intensive rehabilitation.
After the attack Leah’s first words were “I love you” to her mum and partner Fernando, who have been by her side in the intensive care unit (ICU) since the attack, news.com.au reported.
She will remain in ICU for “some time”, her brother said.
As of writing the fundraiser set up by Josh Stewart has gathered A$512,055 ($625,677).
Sydney’s Coogee Beach is a hotspot for families and for recreational swimming. Photo / Wikimedia
After the attack the New South Wales Government announced it would fly drones above beaches all-year-round, news.com.au reported, adding an extra A$87 million for shark mitigation efforts.
Premier Chris Minns said it was clear more had to be done.
“As a kid, I used to surf from Mona Vale to Maroubra. The idea that I’m not comfortably able to do that any more in my own backyard really hurts,” Minns told Sunrise.
“It hurts a lot knowing that maybe something more can be done.
“I’ve got a question mark over the number of beaches that can be covered … We’ll have an announcement in relation to that very soon, including new money, including the use of new technology.
“Some days [the great whites will] be in Hawaii, the next day they might be in New Zealand, and then the next day they might be off the coast of one of our Australian beaches. And that’s what we have to live with,” Minns told Sunrise.
“We can mitigate it, but we cannot make it shark-proof.”
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