South Africans Help Leopard Attack Survivor Reclaim Her Life

Photo Credit: Backabuddy

When life knocks someone down, South Africans rally to lift them back up—and Kathryn Powell’s incredible journey from surviving a leopard attack to reclaiming her future proves just how powerful that spirit of unity can be.

Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa (18 November 2024) – South Africans have an incredible ability to unite and support each other in times of need. When someone faces the unimaginable, our collective spirit rises to the challenge. Kathryn Powell’s (Kath) story is a shining example of this unity, as people from across the country are rallying together to help her continue her miraculous recovery.

In August 2022, Kath experienced a life-altering ordeal while preparing for her wedding. Outside her home in the Sabi Sand, in the Greater Kruger National Park, she was attacked by an injured male leopard. As she bent down to spray-paint a picture frame, the leopard pounced, grabbing her by the neck and leg. The situation could have been fatal, but thanks to the quick actions of her neighbour and the heroic efforts of emergency responders, Kath survived the attack and managed to keep her leg.

Her injuries were severe—her carotid and femoral arteries were damaged, and the muscle and tissue in her inner thigh were torn. Yet, against all odds, Kath fought her way back. After months of treatment, surgeries, and intense rehabilitation, she defied expectations by walking down the aisle to her husband, Jason.

Her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite nerve damage and the emotional scars of the attack, Kath has continually surpassed her recovery milestones. She even took 42 symbolic steps to honour Jason’s aunt, who ran a marathon in her name. However, the road to a full recovery is not over, and she needs our help to take the next step.

To improve her quality of life and reduce her reliance on pain medication, Kath requires a neurostimulator implant. This groundbreaking device, inserted into her spine, will help manage her chronic pain and give her the chance to live more freely. While medical aid has covered part of the costs, there remains a shortfall, and Kath still needs an additional R100,000 to cover the procedure, ongoing therapy, and trauma counselling.

Thanks to the kindness of friends, family, and strangers, R68,000 has already been raised in just 5 days! This incredible show of support highlights the power of community. But there’s still a way to go, and every contribution counts.

Kath has always believed in the idea that “it takes a village” to overcome challenges. Now, her village—South Africa—is stepping up to help her thrive again. Each donation is a step toward Kath’s dream of living pain-free, starting a family, and continuing the life she fought so hard to preserve.

This story reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is hope. It’s found in the quick thinking of a neighbour, the dedication of medical professionals, and the generosity of people coming together for a common cause.

Let’s help Kath write the next chapter of her life—one filled with love, strength, and endless possibilities. If you’d like to be part of her journey, you can contribute to her recovery fund and make a real difference in her life. Together, we can show that South Africans’ ability to unite in kindness truly knows no bounds.