The South Australian government has launched its ‘New State of Mind’ campaign which shines a light on the remarkable people who call the state home.
Amongst the global leaders in engineering, emerging big-screen stars and football players is Greek Australian disability advocate, Christina Vithoulkas.
The Insta-Famous paraplegic drift car racer is breaking down the stigma of spinal injury, using her social media to normalise disability.
Vithoulkas, who was injured in a 2018 dirt bike accident, said she wasn’t scared of her injury, but rather knew that her life was going to change completely.
Speaking with The Advertiser, she detailed how whilst in the hospital she had an “epiphany”.
“Everyone in the room had been conditioned to think that if you are paralyzed, your life isn’t as valuable as it was before,” she said.
“So I made the decision on that day that I was going to make this the best thing that happened to me.”
It was a major mindset reshift that she also credits to the unwavering support of her family.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without my family,” she said.
“Even when there’s stuff that I’m willing to accept I can’t do .. my sister will make sure I can do it, even if she has to carry me. She will do anything in her power to get me to do stuff that she can do.”
As to her advice for those in a similar situation or going through hardship she said: “there is always a way, even when you think you can’t.”
“You realise over time there’s not actually much you can’t do, it’s just the way you look at it and you just go about it a different way.
READ MORE: Christina Vithoulkas: Becoming a paraplegic made me a stronger, happier person
