Jim and Lisa Valavanis

Jim is International Author, Speaker and Parent

He is an author, parent and inspirational public speaker on overcoming daunting adversities in family life and how we can benefit and empower ourselves and others by changing negative expectations of just ‘surviving’ life’s challenges to ‘thriving’ in life’s challenges.

He is the International author of Life Through Sam’s Eyes – How our Blind Son Helped Us See.

Jim has shared with many the moving and inspiring story of how his son, Sam, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma (eye cancer) and how he and his wife, Lisa, not only coped with confronting and difficult circumstances, but how they became more resilient, created a positive environment and a compelling future not just for Sam, but for the family as a whole.

He’s been involved with many charitable organisations such as Beyond Sight Auxiliary, Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Camp Quality, Challenge, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Cancer Council, Guide Dogs and Vision Australia.

Jim has a diverse range of qualifications that has bridged over two decades including Sports Medicine, Massage, Football Trainer, Real Estate, Sales Consultant, Business Development Manager and his most important role yet… Parent!

Jim’s association and participation with a variety of sporting institutions and organisations over the years including cricket, football, basketball, soccer, running, cycling, golf, taekwondo and kung fu has contributed greatly to his appreciation and need for persistence and tenacity in all facets of life.

He has travelled extensively to numerous countries around the world, including the United States of America, Greece, Turkey, Mexico, Fiji and Philippines, just to name a few.

Jim lives in Melbourne, Australia with his wife Lisa and their 3 children, Samuel, Mitchell and Caitlin.

Lisa is an International Author, Speaker and Parent

Lisa is an author, parent and inspiring speaker on tackling life’s difficulties head-on. Providing inspiration to all on how seeming insurmountable obstacles can be met and ultimately mastered.

She is the International author of Life Through Sam’s Eyes – How our Blind Son Helped Us See.

Lisa has shared her family’s heart wrenching ordeal openly, telling of her young son’s experience with challenging odds, helping many families and individuals through traumatic experiences and giving direction and hope for the future.

Lisa’s appearances on many television programs, radio, newspapers and magazines nationally have told of her family’s journey from devastation to inspiration.

She has travelled the world extensively, including places such as England, the United States of America, Mexico, Fiji and New Zealand, just to name a few.

As a philanthropist, Lisa has been involved with various charitable organisations such as Beyond Sight Auxiliary, Vision Australia, Rotary, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Camp Quality, Challenge, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Guide Dogs, Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, Cancer Council and various other fundraising committees.

Through her self-taught Event Management skills, Lisa has organised and held two Beyond Sight Family Fun Days, raising in excess of $30,000 for the Beyond Sight Auxiliary.

Lisa has also previously held the leadership role of School Council President at her sons’ Primary School for three consecutive years.

After 16 years of working in the Health Industry, Lisa has decided it is now time to steer her life in a new direction and focus on what is important to her.

Lisa lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband Jim and their 3 children Samuel, Mitchell and Caitlin.