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Volcano survivor ready to reveal face to the world
Stephanie Browitt has come a long way since suffering horrific burns in the White Island volcano eruption. Now she’s ready to take a huge step and reveal her face to the world.
Stephanie was on a cruise day trip to New Zealand’s White Island on December 9, 2019, when its volcano erupted, killing 22 people, including her father Paul and sister Krystal.
Nearly two-and-a-half years after the eruption, Stephanie has revealed she no longer needs to wear a body compression garment, and that her full face bandage will soon come off.
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STEPHANIE BROWITT
They (the facial compression garments) have been extremely uncomfortable to wear, so I’ll be very happy when they are no longer needed but it’ll also be scary . . . I’m sure I’ll feel quite vulnerable at the beginning.
Her mother, Marie Browitt, said Stephanie was inspirational but her face “unveiling” would likely be petrifying, with the possibility of nasty comments from strangers.
Stephanie has recently shown off her fading limb and torso scars on social media and stepped out in gym gear as she embarks on a fitness campaign.
She has celebrated the fact her disfigured hands she feared would be “useless” for the rest of her life were improving, thanks to surgery and therapy.
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STEPHANIE BROWITT
The difference my range of motion has made to my everyday life is immense . . . I no longer feel like a burden . . . I once again feel like a capable woman.
Stephanie has shared her recovery journey on social media, where she has amassed nearly 100,000 followers on Instagram, 1.4m on TikTok and 27,000 YouTube subscribers.
The Browitts, along with other families of White Island victims, are now pursuing lawsuits to hold Royal Caribbean liable for the deaths and injuries.
Words: Mandy Squires Producer: Andrew Piva																											

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/web-stories/free/herald-sun/white-island-volcano-stephanie-browitt-prepares-to-reveal-face