From the moment he met Turia, Michael knew he was going to marry her. But in 2011, a horrific tragedy turned their worlds upside-down. Turia Pitt, a 23-year-old mining engineer, was competing in a marathon in western Australia when she got trapped in a bushfire and suffered horrible burns to 65 percent of her body. She lost her fingers and thumb on her right hand and spent five months in the hospital undergoing over 200 surgeries. At first, doctors weren't sure she'd make it.
Though she's been to hell and back, her story is one of survival and unconditional love. While many would walk away from their relationship at this point, Michael stayed by Turia's side. He did, however, walk away from his job as a police officer to become her full-time caretaker. Not once did he think of leaving her.
For two whole years, Turia lived inside a mask, hiding her face from the world. In the video below, Turia finally takes it off — for good. For the very first time, Turia sits in front of the mirror and sees herself.
Scroll down to see how Michael reacts when Turia walks in the room…
Just a few years ago, Turia Pitt had it all. She was beautiful, active, and bounding with energy. In college, she modeled. Upon graduating, she landed a great job as a mining engineer.
At just 23 years old, Turia had a bright future ahead of her.
Turia also had a wonderful boyfriend named Michael. From the first day they met, Michael knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Turia. They loved to stay active, ride bikes, go running — and they planned on starting a family one day.
But in 2011, tragedy struck. Turia was completing an Australian marathon when she was engulfed by bushfire. Completely trapped by the flames, Turia suffered burns to 65 percent of her body. She lost her fingers and thumb on her right hand and spent five months in the hospital undergoing over 200 surgeries.
At first, doctors weren't sure she'd survive.
While many partners would walk away from their relationship at this point, Michael stayed by Turia's side. He became her full-time caretaker, dressing, feeding, and washing her.
Slowly but surely, Turia began to rehabilitate. “You’re beautiful,’’ Michael would tell her every day. “You’re still my girl.’’
When Turia was in intensive care, Michael bought a diamond ring. This past week, it was announced that he proposed to Turia, and the happy couple is now engaged.
In Friday Magazine, Turia wrote, "When I look in the mirror, I see the beautiful girl Michael sees because like Michael, I know beauty comes from within and what really matters is who we are, not what we look like."
Turia continues to inspire people around the world. In 2014, she was named the New South Wales, Premier's Award for Woman of the Year. She graced the cover of The Australian Women's Weekly, which attracted worldwide media attention. Now, she can't wait to begin a new chapter.
Now this is love. Please SHARE Turia's incredible story with your friends on Facebook.
