Few people understand the importance of time better than Bethany Hamilton, especially when it comes to life-saving situations. On the fateful morning of October 31, 2003, a then-13-year-old Bethany faced one of the most horrific moments of her life. During a morning surf at Tunnels Beach, she was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark. Thanks to quick thinking, she was helped back to shore. But her left arm had taken the brunt of the attack.

By the time she reached Wilcox Medical Center, she had already lost 60% of her blood. Despite the odds, timely medical intervention saved her life, though she lost her left arm. Her recovery was nothing short of miraculous, and she eventually returned to surfing. Now, the need for urgent help has struck Bethany’s family again.

On October 13, the professional surfer posted on Instagram asking for help for her 3-year-old nephew. Reportedly, on the evening of October 11, her nephew Andrew drowned. Though he was pulled from the water, the accident left him unconscious. The next morning, on October 12, Andrew was medevaced to Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children in Honolulu for treatment.

However, in her post, the loving aunt pleaded for help for her nephew, who “still has a heartbeat and has fight in him”. She also asked to give her nephew “the best chance.” She also made an open request to give her nephew “the best chance,” to come out, evading the life-threatening situation. What makes the post even more poignant is how Bethany drew a parallel between herself and her nephew.

In her emotional post, ‘wrecked’ professional surfer penned, “I know how proper medical support can make or break someone’s chance of survival.” Those words are bound to make her fans remember the morning of October, 21 years ago. On that day as well, someone from the Hamilton family was on the hospital bed, facing a life-threatening injury. But the prompt decision-making of the doctors helped to save her life. In that accident, Bethany’s body went through unforgettable experiences. But her confidence never faced a scratch. 

In fact, after a month of the harrowed incident, Bethany Hamilton appeared on the ocean side with her surfing board. On January 10, next year, she went an extra step by entering her first major competition. Now, she wants similar prompt actions in availing her nephew the best chance to live. That’s why the surfing legend asked for anyone who knows about treating such cases. Fortunately, help is already beginning to find its way to her.

Bethany Hamilton seems the glimmer at the end of the tunnel

Since the attack in 2003, Bethany Hamilton has earned several titles celebrating her courage in the face of adversity. She has also worked as a motivational speaker, working heavily for those who have faced similar experiences in their lives. But handling her own nephew’s accident stood to be an uncommon experience for her altogether. But the help reached her after her emotional post on Instagram.

In the same post, the 34-year-old added further status, revealing her family’s late communication with Dr. Paul Harch, the expert in hyperbolic oxygen therapy (HBOT). The widely regarded HBOT treatment process is suitable for providing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. As per the update, Hamilton’s family has felt relieved after contacting Dr. Harch. Yet, they have let their gates open for any valuable information on any other treatment process for Andrew. As the days go by, we can only hope for a positive update on his progress.