Calvin

“My name is Calvin, originally from South Africa, now calling New Zealand home since 2000. Growing up wasn’t easy—back then, I faced challenges on the other side of the racial divide in my home country. When I arrived in New Zealand, it was a fresh start, but I carried heavy baggage.
I was drinking heavily, downing two liters of scotch a week, straight, no chaser, just neat. It was my crutch.

Three years ago, something shifted—a gut feeling, a higher power, call it what you will. I knew I had to quit drinking. So, I did. Cold turkey. Not a drop since, and I’m proud of that.

But life had more tests for me. Soon after, I suffered a double stroke on the left side of my brain, which affected my left arm. Then, just over a year ago, I had a cardiac arrest. My friend stepped in, keeping me alive for 45 minutes until the ambulance arrived. My doctor was stunned I survived. He told me the odds were slim—only a 25% chance of surviving a cardiac arrest in a hospital with all the equipment, and out in the world? A mere 10%. I’d beaten the odds, like winning the lotto multiple times.

Thankfully, New Zealand’s incredible medical system stepped up. They implanted a defibrillator in my chest to shock my heart back into rhythm if it falters. That machine is my guardian angel.

Through it all, I found a new path. I’ve been sober for three years, and I’ve discovered a passion for stone carving. In just a year, I’ve made progress that’s amazed those around me. It’s more than a craft—it’s my way forward, a new chapter in my life”

I’m still here, defying the odds, and I’m grateful every day for it. Here’s to resilience, second chances, and finding beauty in the journey.”