But her life took a dramatic turn on September 2, 2011, when she nearly perished in a fire. Despite the disaster, Turia not only survived but also improved her quality of life significantly.

On that fateful day, 40 participants began a 100-kilometer event organized by RacingThePlanet. However, the nearby grass and bushes caught fire, engulfing several athletes, including Turia.

Despite the heat intensifying, Turia decided to go straight through the flames. She sustained third-degree burns over 65% of her body.

Before the catastrophe, Turia had a promising career as a model and was a contestant in the Miss Australia competition. She also worked as a mining engineer in a diamond mine.

Turia was dating Michael, a high school classmate, at the time. She had been living her dream life until everything changed in an instant. While in the hospital, she questioned why the doctors had saved her life amidst her immense suffering.

Turia spent a total of 864 days in hospitals. She underwent more than 200 procedures, including one to reconstruct her nearly entirely burned nose. She also had five fingers amputated.

As her injuries gradually healed, Turia struggled with the idea of leaving her house. She felt self-conscious about how her deformed hands and face would attract attention.

Michael remained by Turia’s side throughout this challenging time. Even while she was in intensive care, he bought a diamond ring and promised his father, “If she lives, I will marry her.”

Michael left his job to take care of Turia, helping her with washing, dressing, feeding, and teaching her to walk again.

When reporters asked Michael why he remained so devoted, he explained, “My fiancée is still the same attractive and active person I fell in love with. Only her skin has changed.”

Michael helped Turia realize that true beauty goes beyond physical appearance. It is reflected in how we act, walk, talk, and interact with others.

Thanks to his support, Turia was determined to enjoy life to the fullest.

“I had to face horrific experiences, but Michael was always by my side,” Turia said. “I was able to cope because of his love and the love of my family.”

In 2015, in the Maldives, Michael Hoskins proposed to Turia by placing the same ring she had been wearing for four years on her finger. The couple welcomed their son, Hakawai, in December 2017.

Feel free to share this inspiring story with your friends. Who else believes that true love is about standing by each other through thick and thin?