White Island survivor Stephanie Browitt shares huge milestone in recovery journey

A woman who survived the horrific eruption of New Zealand’s White Island where 22 people were killed has revealed a huge milestone in her recovery.

A woman who suffered catastrophic burns in a New Zealand volcano eruption that killed 22 people – including her father and younger sister – has revealed a huge milestone in her long recovery.

Stephanie Browitt, 25, suffered third-degree burns to 70 per cent of her body during the disaster that unfolded on Whakaari/White Island, in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region, in 2019.

Tragically, she lost her father Paul and 21-year-old sister Krystal when the island erupted.

White Island survivor Stephanie Browitt has revealed she will soon be losing her facial compression garment in a remarkable milestone for her recovery journey. Source: Instagram/stephaniecoral96

Ms Browitt has prolifically charted her recovery since the 2019 eruption. Source: Instagram/stephaniecoral96

But in the face of insurmountable pain and loss she remained resolute, charting her recovery on social media.

In a candid post on Instagram, Ms Browitt revealed her facial compression garment was coming off soon.

“I am of course excited and thrilled but equally as nervous,” she wrote earlier this year.

“They have been extremely uncomfortable to wear so I’ll be very happy when they’re no longer needed but it’ll also be scary when the time to say goodbye comes.

“I’m sure I’ll feel quite vulnerable at the beginning. In saying that it’s just another hurdle I cannot wait to reach,” she wrote.

Ms Browitt also revealed she no longer needed to wear her body garment and recent surgeries on her hands had “significantly” improved her function.

“The opening between my thumbs and hands have increased enough to help me with everyday things,” Ms Browitt wrote earlier this month.

“The difference my range of motion has made in my everyday life is immense.”

The recent developments mark a huge recovery for Ms Browitt, who spent months in Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital after the disaster.

Her mother Marie remained on the cruise ship Ovation of the Seas when the volcano erupted.

Ms Browitt has prolifically detailed her recovery on social media, sharing insights into her inspiring and difficult journey.

Her Instagram has photos of her attending the gym, sightseeing across Melbourne and sharing candid updates on her latest recoveries.

In one video she quips her “fat roll” protected her stomach from the burns.

Fourteen Australians died when White Island, northeast off the New Zealand mainland, suddenly exploded on December 9, 2019.

New Zealand’s Whakaari/White Island moments after the eruption which killed 22 people.

Moments after the tragedy, the volcano was captured on camera spewing steam and ash into the air.

WorkSafe New Zealand has charged 13 parties following the eruption.