ANTONIO Iannella knows what it means to have your life flash before your eyes.
Only four years ago the Melton resident was enjoying a holiday in Vietnam with his family when he suffered a major stroke that almost killed him.
On life support for five days, completely paralysed, unable to speak, see or hear very well, Antonio was at death’s door – but he didn’t touch the handle.
Instead the father-of-three was flown back to Melbourne and began his long and exhausting rehabilitation at Sunshine Hospital.
“At that point I couldn’t see myself walking again… I was in shock and scared,” he told Star.
“But then I said to myself, there’s no point moping around, it’s important to be positive.
“Rather than looking at what I lost, I started looking at what I could do.”
That’s when, after many years, the talented musician took pen to paper and began writing songs again.
“It was like a light bulb moment.
“Writing is my life, it’s like the key to my soul.”
On the 63rd day of rehabilitation Antonio finally walked out of hospital and began life as a stroke survivor.
Despite losing the ability to play guitar Antonio still knew how to write the perfect lyrics and taught himself how to play one-handed piano.
In the last three years he has launched two bands, boycriedwolf and The Lion Tamers, recorded a debut album titled Distractions, and written the book Saigon Siren, detailing his personal experiences as a stroke survivor.
His lifestyle has changed dramatically. Antonio formerly worked long hours as a project manager on a construction site, but he now devotes his time to his children and achieving the best health possible.
“One of my passions is to try to make people slow down a little and take time out … live in the moment.
“I’ve always believed that, now I practice it.”
The inspirational artist recently opened Studio four99 which is aimed at providing aspiring musicians with a place to create their own masterpieces in Melton.
You can visit the studio online at www.studiofour99.com
