Australian Turia Pitt, 24, had it all: a successful career, a partner, and beauty.
Nevertheless, Turia could not only survive the disaster but also improve her quality of life.
Forty participants began the 100-kilometer event that RacingThePlanet was holding that September day. The competitors could only cover a fourth of the distance before the nearby grass and bushes took fire.
The girl decided to go straight through the flames as it continued to get hotter. She thus sustained third-degree burns, with 65% of her body being scorched.
Turia was one of the contestants in the Miss Australia competition and had a career as a model before the catastrophe. She worked as a mining engineer in a diamond mine.
She dated Michael, a high school classmate.
The girl said that she lived up to her wildest expectations. But in a split second, everything was altered. She remembered asking herself why the doctors saved her life during that horrible time in the hospital.
The injuries gradually recovered. Turia, however, could not force herself to leave the house. She had the impression that her deformed hands and face would draw the notice of others.
Michael was close to Turia throughout this challenging time.
Michael left his job to care for his loved one in the hospital, washing, dressing, feeding, and teaching her to walk.
Later, when reporters questioned Michael about why he acted so disrespectfully, he responded, “My fiancée is still the same attractive and active person with whom I fell in love. She hasn’t altered; only her skin has.
Michael persuaded Turia that attractiveness goes beyond having a flawless figure. It manifests itself in the way we act, walk, talk, gaze at others, and take actions.
“I had to experience horrific things. Michael was by my side, I knew, nevertheless. I was able to cope because of his love and the love of my family, says Turia.