Czech supermodel Petra Nemcova says the tsunami tragedy that killed thousands on December 26 has had such a profound impact on her life that she may quit modeling for good.
"I'm different now, with a completely different view of the world," Nemcova, 25, told a Czech newspaper in her first interview since leaving the hospital in Prague where she stayed for ten days recovering form her injuries.
Truly, surviving the tsunami by clinging to a palm-tree for eight hours listening to the screams of dying children can change ones outlook on the world of catwalk shows and fashion shoots forever.
"Believe me, it really isn't important," Nemcova was quoted as saying. "There are so many important things in the world like health, love and peace in your soul."
The catwalk stunner, who used to live in a Manhattan apartment and juggle the busy schedule of posing for Victoria's Secret catalog and the swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated, has now returned to her hometown in Chezh republic where she attends a rehabilitation center. The doctors say she may soon drop crutches and completely recover from her pelvis injury.
"It looks very hopeful," said her father Oldrich Nemec. "Her doctor said she would fully recover without any permanent consequences. Within a month she will walk without crutches."
However, the permanent consequence of surviving a crippling disaster and losing a loved one during the natural catastrophe may include a major change in career objectives. As soon as she gets well, Nemcova plans to return to Asia with her father and her younger sister Olga to work on the relief projects there.
“I want to return to Asia as soon as I recover a bit, and want to help all the people by doing manual work," the supermodel said. "It is important for me to provide active help, to work with my hands. This will definitely give me the strength I need."
"I think she will now part with modeling," Oldrich Nemec told the Daily News "She will appear on catwalks in France, Britain or the U.S.A. for charity purposes only."
Members of the family of Simon Atlee, Nemcova’s boyfriend who was swept away by the wave and is presumed to be dead, have visited Nemcova in the hospital two weeks ago. She is slowly learning to accept that he may be gone for good