Volcano survivor Stephanie Browitt shares her uplifting journey to recovery. Nearly five years ago, she endured life-threatening burns and the loss of her family during the White Island eruption. Today, she offers a deeply personal update filled with hope and resilience.
How She Became a Volcano Survivor
On December 9, 2019, Stephanie and her family, including her father, Paul, and sister Krystal, disembarked from their cruise ship to tour White Island, New Zealand. Suddenly, the volcano erupted with terrifying speed. Within moments, they were struck by a deadly burst of ash and rock. Stephanie describes being thrown to the ground and engulfed in searing heat. She remembers struggling to stand as her legs wobbled, and seconds felt like lifetimes.
Despite her efforts to protect her face with a mask, she was overwhelmed. Amid the chaos, she could hear her father calling her name, urging her to stay awake. Eventually, a brave local helicopter pilot and crew reached them nearly an hour later. They airlifted her onto a helicopter with no medical staff, urging her to stay conscious during the scary flight to the mainland.
The Physical Toll and Initial Recovery
Stephanie suffered third-degree burns over 70% of her body and lost eight fingers. She spent six harrowing months in the hospital, where surgeries occurred almost every other day. Doctors removed damaged tissue and applied both donated and her own skin grafts. She also underwent hyperbaric chamber treatments to promote healing.
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy became essential to rebuild her strength. She worked hard to regain movement in her hands and legs and wore compression garments to support healing. Laser therapy helped reduce scarring, while speech therapy aided facial expression and breathing.
Therapy, Routine, and Healing
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Stephanie credits consistent care with much of her progress. Her daily routine includes moisturizing twice daily to lock in hydration on damaged skin, a practice she continues years later. She uses body oils, facial serums, and sunscreen to protect and repair discoloration.
Occupational therapists guide her hand rehabilitation, helping her adapt to life with eight missing fingers. Physiotherapy boosts her mobility and strengthens the muscles affected by the burns. She also exercises regularly to stay fit and further enhance her recovery.
Learning to Love “New” Skin
Emotionally, Stephanie faced crushing challenges. She describes feeling self-conscious and afraid of judgment. Slowly, tugged by the desire to feel at home in a changed body, she started therapy and self-identity work. Today, she describes a more confident self. She wears clothes to celebrate her body rather than hide it.
A milestone came when she wore a two-piece swimsuit for the first time since the eruption. Nervous at first, she found acceptance and a positive response after posting a photo online. She recalls feeling relief when she realized “people didn’t care.”
Embracing Life and Looking Ahead
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Stephanie is back to running and jogging, rebuilding her lifestyle one day at a time. She’s able to write, type, and perform daily tasks despite her amputations, all through therapy and unwavering determination. She looks forward to returning to her job and pursuing creative interests, like art.
Importantly, Stephanie uses her influence on TikTok and Instagram (millions of followers) to advocate for burn survivors. She stresses the importance of representation, saying that seeing others with scars living full lives gave her hope in dark times.
Remembering Loved Ones
Through this painful journey, she also honors what she lost. Her father died about four weeks after the eruption, and her sister’s fate remains unclear. The family never received definitive answers about Krystal’s final moments or when her body was recovered. Stephanie and her mother continue to seek closure.
They also question cruise lines and tour operators for failing to warn them, and regulatory neglect continues to weigh on them. Lawsuits and investigations have unfolded in both Australia and New Zealand, holding tour companies accountable.
Inspiring Advocacy and Ongoing Change
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Stephanie’s story fueled changes in how White Island tours are regulated. Whakaari Management and operators faced legal consequences for safety oversights. After initial convictions, rulings were appealed, but fines and reparations totaling over NZ$10 million were still imposed. Her voice helped push for accountability.
Despite legal complexity, Stephanie is focused on future progress. She wants to be part of positive change in wilderness tourism safety and burn recovery care.
Stephanie emphasizes taking life one day at a time. She starts each morning with skin-care steps and ends with hand exercises. She trains, journals, and connects with burn survivor communities online and in person.
She finds peace in small victories, running a bit farther, writing a paragraph, or donning a swimsuit. These additions to her day bring hope she once thought lost.
Why Her Story as a Volcano Survivor Matters
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Her journey offers universal lessons:
- Perseverance: Facing unimaginable pain, she persisted.
- Self-Love: Relearning to love changed skin and empowered her.
- Community: Sharing online keeps her connected and healing.
- Advocacy: She gives voice to survivors and safety risks.
This volcano survivor’s ongoing transformation shows that even in tragedy, strength and hope can grow.
Stephanie Browitt’s life was forever altered five years ago. Yet here she stands: running, advocating, creating, and inspiring. Her routine may be rooted in recovery, but it thrives in courage and grace. She’s learned that healing is a journey, not a destination. And through every scar, she continues to shine.
If you or anyone you know is recovering from trauma or injury, remember Stephanie’s wisdom: nurture your body daily, believe in small steps, and let the community lift you. With resilience and care, a brighter tomorrow is always possible.
