FLORIDA, USA —
The annual 'Shark Week' event just wrapped up, and while many may marvel at these incredible creatures, the week serves as a reminder of their power.
It was back on June 30, 2022, when Addison Bethea suffered a life-altering moment while scalloping in Taylor County near Keaton Beach in the panhandle of Florida.
Bethea was attacked by a 9-foot-long shark.
With the love and support of her family, her deep faith and countless hours of therapy, Bethea pushed through the pain and received a prosthetic leg.
"The road to recovery is tough and hard," she told First Coast News.
Fast forward to today, Bethea is now celebrating her two-year anniversary—just in time for shark week. She hopes to bring awareness to the importance of staying alert while in the waters.
"It’s shark week, so stay safe. Just because they’re on the show, doesn't mean they aren't in the water," she said jokingly.
After the bite, Bethea has since returned to the ocean, now more careful, but undeterred. Her journey of faith and recovery has touched many lives across the world, but she says the thing she's most proud of is being a new mother to her baby girl, Sailor.
"There is a light at the end of the tunnel," Bethea said. "My life got way better after the bite!"
Bethea said it was waking up in the hospital alive that deepened her faith and gave her a new outlook on life and a sense of peace.
“I can’t sit there and feel sorry for myself,” she said.
She admits life isn’t always easy having just one leg, but she doesn’t let that stop her from being the best mom.
"Some days, I think it’s hard having one leg, but then I'm like, 'Oh well, that’s life get over it!'"
Bethea added that wearing a shark band is probably your best bet to keep them away. They are designed to reduce the risk of shark encounters by using magnetic technology to deter predatory sharks. They're easy to find online, but can cost up to $130.
Bethea's story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit.