Finding Inspiration
When you've personally experienced the looking glass of disability or have been closely connected to someone who has, witnessing the struggles, tears, frustrations, and myriad challenges that accompany a stroke or other disabilities can make finding hope an arduous task.
This is precisely why recognising and embracing inspiration when it crosses your path becomes all the more vital.
Tumbling through the looking glass
At the tender age of 21, Nicole Christodoulou endured two debilitating strokes that left her paralysed on the left side of her body. Her path to recovery was riddled with obstacles, from relearning to walk to undergoing surgery and enduring years of rehabilitation with the help of healthcare and allied professionals.
Last year, her unyielding determination bore fruit when she earned a spot on the Australian ParaMatildas team. Nicole's incredible story of resilience even caught the attention of Channel 10's The Project, which featured her inspiring journey.
Extending a helping hand
Nicole came into my life because she needed assistance with fundraising. While being part of the national team is an amazing achievement, it comes with a significant financial burden. The ParaMatildas, as the national DISABLED team, receives no government funding and must cover all their expenses, including travel, petrol, time off work, boots, gym memberships, workout attire and more, totalling up to $18,000 per player each year.
With the generous support of organisations like the Stroke Foundation, OnePassport, Malvern City Football Club, and members of Freemasons Victoria, we are rallying behind Nicole to help her raise the necessary funds to support her participation in the Australian ParaMatildas.
How you can support Nicole
On Sunday, October 8th, we're holding Nicole Christodoulou's Charity Soccer Tournament at Gardiner Park in Glen Iris, Melbourne. This round-robin style, half-field, seven-a-side friendly soccer match promises a day of fun. Nicole herself will be flying down from Sydney to showcase her skills, sign autographs, and even sub in for some of the teams. We invite you to join us for a kickabout, to buy a sausage, and to be part of this remarkable event.
Register your team or sign up as an individual participant here.
If you can't make it to the event but still wish to contribute, we are accepting donations through a GoFundMe page.
Living life to the fullest
Nicole never set out to be an inspiration; she simply made a conscious decision to live life to the fullest, no matter the challenges. It's this unwavering spirit that makes her journey truly inspirational.
Thank you for your support of Nicole and we encourage you to keep an eye out for her during the upcoming Para Asian Cup in Melbourne, taking place from October 31st to November 12th.
