Giovanni Profeta
Crew
Giovanni, 36, is a lawyer from Lecheria, Venezuela. He speaks English, Italian, and Spanish. Giovanni was diagnosed with MS in 2010 following the discovery of intense optical neuritis and the loss of strength in his lower body. Since his youth, the sea has been an essential part of Giovanni’s life. He was a free-diver, former A.I.D.A judge and a swimmer. MS came to his life suddenly, and he soon discovered he was not able to do what he most enjoyed.
In time, Giovanni learned to cope with his new condition, knowing his limitations are a key factor to his well-being. He got back on the water in 2012 and it was a turning point in his relationship with MS. In his own words:
“It's like the water washed away my depression and fears. On it, I feel like a new person, empowered to say the least. When I saw the news of Oceans of Hope trying to circumnavigate the world to spread awareness and change MS forever, I wanted to be part of it immediately. Right away I went to a sailing school near home and I began to do what I thought was a lost dream of my youth. Who would have thought that an illness would put me on the right track to fulfill my dreams?”
Giovanni feels lucky to be selected as a member of the crew of Oceans of Hope, and is ready to inspire others to pursue their dreams and to understand that even with some limitations, we can all still live a meaningful life, dream big, and that nothing is impossible.