Surviving a close encounter with a wild animal is life-altering. For members of Bite Club, a support group for survivors of such attacks, the journey doesn’t end with survival. Founded by Dave Pearson after his own shark attack, the club helps survivors navigate life after trauma.
A Life-Changing Moment
Paul Kenny, a Bite Club member, was camping on Samurai Beach when a terrifying encounter changed his life. A bronze whaler shark attacked him while he was swimming. “I thought it was another swimmer,” Kenny recalls. “But it was a shark, and my arm was in its teeth.”
He fought for his life, punching the shark until it let go. Kenny managed to catch a wave to shore and save himself. But the physical and emotional scars remained.
The Founding of Bite Club
Dave Pearson knows this trauma all too well. Thirteen years ago, a bull shark attacked him at Crowdy Head, New South Wales. The shark clamped down on his left arm, nearly severing it. This life-altering event inspired him to create Bite Club, a support group for those who’ve faced similar attacks.
“After surviving the shark attack, I felt elated,” Pearson says. But soon, the psychological effects set in. “The adrenaline faded, and the PTSD hit. It was overwhelming.
Pearson sought out other survivors, hoping to find solace in shared experiences. It led to the founding of Bite Club in 2013, officially established as a non-profit organization.
The Healing Journey
Bite Club helps survivors like Kenny and Pearson navigate the complex emotions following a traumatic attack. The group offers a safe space where members can share their experiences and receive support. “We talk about everything,” Pearson says, “from the physical pain to the nightmares.”
The club also provides access to a psychologist, often pro bono, to help members heal. “There are five stages of healing,” Pearson explains, “and the last is helping others.”
Richard Field’s Close Call
Richard Field, another Bite Club member, knows the importance of this support. In 1999, a lioness attacked him while he was guiding a safari in Botswana. “She barrelled into me,” Field recalls. “I thought I was going to die.”
Field survived the attack, but the psychological scars ran deep. “I definitely had PTSD,” he says. “It took years to accept my new reality.”
Returning to the Scene
Despite the trauma, many survivors return to the places where they were attacked. Pearson continues to surf, while Field still leads safari tours. “It’s about reclaiming our lives,” Pearson explains.
But the road to recovery is not without challenges. “When I hear about another shark attack,” Pearson admits, “my PTSD flares up. Everything becomes more difficult.”
Anika Craney, a free diver, faced a similar struggle after surviving a shark attack. “In the first year, I felt like a superhero,” Craney says. But soon, the psychological toll became unbearable. “I had violent nightmares. My mind played tricks on me.”
Craney credits Bite Club and therapy for helping her get back on track. “Dave Pearson and Bite Club became my family,” she says. “They understood what I was going through.”
A Community of Survivors
Bite Club has grown into a global community of survivors. From shark attacks to lion maulings, members share a unique bond. “We have members who’ve been attacked by all kinds of animals,” Pearson says.
The group’s support extends beyond emotional healing. Pearson remembers the anniversaries of attacks and helps members return to the water when ready.
The Future of Bite Club
As Bite Club grows, its mission remains the same: to help survivors navigate life after a traumatic attack. “We’re always ready to welcome new members,” Pearson says. “The first thing I tell them is, ‘This is going to be tough.’”
The shark attack that changed Dave Pearson’s life led to something bigger. “Bite Club is about surviving, but it’s also about thriving,” he says. “We’re a family, and we help each other heal.”
Wrapping Up!
Dave Pearson’s shark attack marked the beginning of a journey that has helped countless survivors. Bite Club provides a lifeline for those who’ve faced the jaws of death. Through shared experiences and unwavering support, members navigate the challenges of life after trauma, knowing they’re not alone.
