By Michael Esposito
NOT even the threat of falling into a coma can persuade Antoinette Ioannou to scale back her hectic schedule.
The psychology student and mother of two has severe diabetes, which carries the risk of hypoglycemic reactions that could result in prolonged unconsciousness. Adding to this, a major car accident six years ago has saddled her with chronic back problems.
But rather than sulk about it, the 39-year-old’s health problems have motivated her to pack as much into her life as she can.
Antoinette, and her husband John, are two of the most dedicated volunteers in Brimbank, and have made drastic differences to many people’s lives.
“Because I could get sick at any time, I want to do things today. Tell me what you want to do and I’ll do it,” Antoinette said.
It’s an admirable outlook, formed by several inspirational, philosophical mantras and messages that Antoinette likes to live by.
“I regard a disability as an ability to show people you can go forward no matter what,” is one such proclamation of perseverance and positivity.
Husband John is just as dedicated to the plight of others.
The qualified personal trainer spends three days a week at the non-profit Footscray Youth Club, taking fitness classes and teaching boxing and martial arts to young people.
He puts in many hours a week to ensure the volunteer-based club stays alive.
“I want to make a difference,” John said.
John is a passionate believer in the uniting power of sport, and with Antoinette has set up a program which provides sports scholarships to children.
For John, volunteering is “a great way to nourish the soul”, and for Antoinette it’s a way to see positive results stem directly from her input and to prove to herself that she has plenty to offer.
Her ability to help the marginalised, disenfranchised and plain out-of-luck will soon be in a professional capacity as she expects to complete her psychology degree from Victoria University next year.
It will complete a seven-year journey for the part-time university student who never completed high school.
