Petra Němcová, the 45-year-old supermodel and philanthropist, has recently reflected on her life two decades after surviving the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. In a heartfelt interview, she shared insights into her journey, the establishment of her charitable foundation, and her role as a mother.
Survival and Philanthropy
In December 2004, while vacationing in Thailand, Němcová endured a harrowing experience when a massive tsunami struck, tragically claiming the life of her then-boyfriend, Simon Atlee. Despite sustaining severe injuries, including a shattered pelvis, she survived by clinging to a palm tree for nearly eight hours.
Motivated by her ordeal, Němcová founded the Happy Hearts Fund in 2005, focusing on rebuilding schools for children affected by natural disasters. This initiative later evolved into All Hands and Hearts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to constructing disaster-resilient schools and homes worldwide.
Personal Life
Now married to Benjamin Larretche, Němcová is a mother to five-year-old son Bodhi. She describes motherhood as a source of daily joy and magic, highlighting the contrast between her son’s awareness of tsunamis—learned from the animated series “Octonauts”—and her own lack of knowledge before the 2004 disaster.
Recent Activities
Němcová continues her philanthropic efforts through All Hands and Hearts, actively participating in projects that provide disaster relief and build resilient communities. Her dedication to humanitarian work remains unwavering, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact on the world.