If there’s one word Turia Pitt is synonymous with, it’s resilience.
In September 2011, the mining engineer was participating in an ultra-marathon in Western Australia’s Kimberley region when she and three other runners became trapped by a huge grassfire. Pitt’s injuries were horrific; she suffered burns to 65 per cent of her body, and had four of her fingers and a thumb amputated.
RELATED: Turia Pitt’s AWW magazine cover is truly beautiful
For the next two years, Pitt had to wear a full-body compression suit with a mask to help her body begin the long road to recovery. She has since endured more than 200 surgeries, and has been told she must undergo up to four operations per year over the next decade.
“It’s something I just have to accept, it’s a part of my life now. For me, it’s just like doing house work or washing the car. It’s something that I have to do,” the 27-year-old tells the Daily Telegraph.
“If I wanted, I could have surgeries back to back but I want to have a normal life too. I want to be able to go to the beach or catch up with friends.”
Most recently, Pitt underwent reconstructive surgery on her nose, but the procedure wasn't without complications. She was transferred to the intensive care ward when she unexpectedly stopped breathing on the table, and woke up with her mother and partner by her bedside. Thankfully, Pitt has recovered and is now enjoying her new nose.
RELATED: Watch this amazing tattoo artist conceal burn victim’s scars.
“When I see old photos of myself, I can’t believe I didn’t have a nose for so long… It is a definite improvement. My face is more relaxed; it was quite tight before," she said in March. Pitt has another procedure scheduled for September. In the meantime, she's been keeping occupied with her very long list of very impressive pursuits. (Post continues after gallery.)
Turia Pitt's life on Instagram
Not only has Pitt reignited her passion for fitness, throwing herself into surfing, running and cycling, to name a few, she's also established herself as a motivational speaker and advocate for a non-for-profit charity called Interplast. The organisation provides free surgical procedures to people in developing countries of the Asia Pacific region, who have suffered burns or live with medical conditions like cleft lip and wouldn't normally be able to afford medical treatment.
RELATED: Angelina Jolie writes about having her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed.
Last year, Turia raised funds for Insterplast by leading a ten-day trek of the Great Wall of China; later this year, she'll be taking on the Inca Trail to Macchu Pichu.
As we said — Turia Pitt is one seriously impressive, resilient woman.