SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - A female surfer who became famous after surviving a shark attack in 2003 spoke at a Carlsbad church Sunday morning.
Bethany Hamilton's story played out in a musical montage before she took the stage at the Daybreak Community Church in Carlsbad Sunday morning.
Hundreds lined up early to see the 25-year-old, who at just 13-years-old, had her left arm bitten off by a shark.
"I was just surfing like any other day and my life changed in an instant. My arm was taken. I almost lost my life too," Hamilton said.
Hamilton spoke about the 2003 incident and how her life has changed since.
Bethany is now married, pregnant with her first child, and a professional surfer.
Her journey went on to become a book and later a movie called Soul Surfer. Her life story has inspired an entire generation, especially kids, many of whom were left starstruck at Sunday's event.
Many adults felt the same way. Nancy Culp attended the church for her first time on Sunday to hear Hamilton speak.
"She turned something tragic into something that probably would have never happened if it had not happened to her," Nancy said.
That was the message that lead pastor Jason Graves wanted people to leave with on Easter Sunday.
Hamilton still lives in Hawaii. She was joined Sunday by her husband, manager and friends.