Stephanie Coral Browitt was just 23 years old when a dream vacation to New Zealand turned into an unimaginable nightmare. A sudden volcanic eruption on White Island ripped apart her world, leaving her with physical and emotional scars that would forever alter the course of her life. Yet, amidst the tragedy and loss, Stephanie emerged with an unwavering spirit, documented on a social media platform that would become a beacon of hope and inspiration for millions.
A Family Trip Gone Wrong: Visiting White Island
In December 2019, Stephanie, her younger sister Krystal, and their parents embarked on a family vacation to New Zealand. Filled with excitement, they decided to visit White Island, an active volcano accessible by guided tours. Stephanie, Krystal, and their father joined the tour, while their mother opted to stay on the mainland. Little did they know that this seemingly harmless excursion would become a fight for survival.
Seconds Before the Blast: A Split-Second Decision
Upon reaching the volcanic island, a sense of unease settled in Stephanie’s gut. The tour guides revealed that the volcano’s activity level was at its second-highest point, a cause for concern. However, as Stephanie later recounted, there was an underlying trust that safety protocols were in place, and the tours wouldn’t be conducted if there was imminent danger.
Tragically, this trust was misplaced. Moments later, the ground began to tremble, and a monstrous eruption sent shockwaves across the island. Amidst the chaos and confusion, Stephanie recalled someone yelling for everyone to run. The force of the eruption was like a relentless wave, engulfing everything in its path.
A Fight for Survival: Rescue and Devastating Loss
Stephanie was among the fortunate few who were eventually rescued by brave helicopter pilots who risked their own lives to evacuate survivors. However, the eruption had taken a horrific toll. Out of the 47 people on the island that day, 22 lost their lives in the disaster.
The weight of this loss was unbearable for Stephanie. Her beloved sister Krystal was missing, presumed dead. Her father, gravely injured, succumbed to his wounds a few weeks later in the hospital. In the face of this unimaginable grief, Stephanie herself was battling for her life. She had sustained severe burns on over 70% of her body, including her face.
Months of Recovery: The Long Road to Healing
The following months were a blur of surgeries, intensive care, and a two-week coma. Stephanie’s physical and emotional strength were tested to their limits. Yet, even in the darkest hours, a flicker of determination refused to be extinguished. “I learned that the fight for survival is a real thing,” she later shared. “I never knew I had this in me.”
Finding Hope Through Social Media: Sharing Her Journey
As Stephanie embarked on the long road to recovery, she decided to share her experiences with the world. She joined TikTok, a social media platform known for short-form videos. Through these videos, she answered questions about her treatment, the challenges of being a burn survivor, and the emotional toll of the tragedy. Her honesty and vulnerability resonated with viewers, and she quickly amassed a large and supportive following.
The Big Reveal: Taking Off the Mask
For over two years, Stephanie wore a compression mask that covered most of her face. This specialized garment, along with protective clothing on other parts of her body, aided in skin regeneration. On TikTok, she openly addressed questions about the discomfort of the garments and the constant itchiness.
Then, after 30 long months, came a momentous occasion. Stephanie felt strong enough to finally remove the mask and reveal her face to the world. It was a moment fraught with both trepidation and hope. “I don’t think I’ll ever be completely satisfied because deep down I really miss how I used to look,” she confessed, acknowledging the fear of judgment regarding her scars.
However, the response from her followers was overwhelmingly positive. They applauded her courage and celebrated this milestone in her recovery journey. The outpouring of support served as a powerful reminder that Stephanie was not alone.
A Voice for Others: Advocating for Burn Survivors
Today, Stephanie continues to share her story on social media, inspiring millions with her unwavering spirit. She has become a vocal advocate for burn survivors, raising awareness about the challenges they face and the importance of support networks.
Despite the immense progress she has made, Stephanie’s recovery journey is far from over. She regularly undergoes therapy to manage the constant pain and limitations caused by her injuries. She also uses massage therapy to address issues with her hands, which were severely affected by the burns.