Stephanie Coral Browitt was 23 years old when she went on a long-awaited vacation with her mom, dad, and sister. However, her life was divided into before and after: a volcano erupted on the island, and Stephanie miraculously survived but sustained 70% burns. In that tragedy, she lost two members of her family, and she continues to struggle for her health to this day.

In 2019, Stephanie Coral Browitt went on a trip that would change both her and her family’s lives forever.

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Stephanie Coral Browitt, her sister, and her parents went on a family vacation to New Zealand. Browitt, her sister, and her dad went to visit White Island, while her mom stayed on the boat. Stephanie said that only after they reached the remote island, their guides told them that the volcano’s danger level was at the second level, which is the highest level it can be before an actual eruption occurs.
She was one of 25 people that were rescued after the White Island volcano eruption.

At the time of the eruption, there were 47 people on the island, and 22 of them, unfortunately, passed away. Browitt, along with other victims, was rescued by volunteer helicopter pilots who risked their own lives to help survivors. Her sister, Krystal, couldn’t be found, and her dad told the pilots to take his daughter first. He passed away in the hospital a few weeks later.

She suffered burns over 70% percent of her body, including her face.

Not only did the terrible event claim her beloved family members’ lives, Stephanie Coral Browitt was also left with severe burns all over her body. She spent many months in the hospital recovering, including 2 weeks in a coma, fighting for her life, while also dealing with grief. “I have learned that the fight for survival is a real thing… I never knew I had this in me.”