Dino Giovannoni has survived a broken neck, cancer of the spine (twice), countless surgeries and a bone marrow transplant. He is an extreme sports addict and is passionate about helping people heal themselves through nutrition and exercise. The ‘keto surfer’ shares his story.
One would think that breaking your neck is pretty much one of the worst things that can happen to a person – especially when you are an active, avid surfer in your twenties. But this wasn’t the case for Dino.
In fact, it was through breaking his neck that doctors were alerted to the fact that he had cancer of the spine. It also ended up being the catalyst towards him finding his true passion in life – to help others heal themselves and fight disease through diet.
A BUMPY ROAD TO RECOVERY
After his diagnosis, Dino underwent three neck surgeries to fully remove the tumour, as well as radiation and chemo. He was then told that he was in remission and that he would never surf again.
For 10 years Dino struggled with neck pain while trying to return to normal and participate in the sports he loved, including surfing, which he started again in 2018. The following year though, in January 2019, Dino began having numbness in his feet. An MRI revealed 11 bone lesions in his pelvis and thoracic spine. Through his five months of chemotherapy Dino started researching alternative ways to stop the cancer.
A DIFFERENT TAKE ON HEALING
“I went to see an old friend who has been healing people with nutrition for over 25 years. He put me on a Ketogenic diet, combined with intermittent fasting, and it gave me my life back.” Dino started surfing and mountain biking again and in October 2019 he underwent a bone marrow transplant. “I flew through the process, which was quite record breaking from a medical science perspective, as I harvested the most stem cells and spent the shortest time in isolation of any patient. I also did not require any blood transfusions during my transplant!”
Dino attributes this to his strict diet and fitness regime and says it was through this process that he discovered a new passion. “I wanted to learn more about nutrition and helping people heal themselves. I did several online courses and qualified in keto coaching, intermittent fasting, supplements advisor and nutrition to stop inflammation.”
Dino excelled in all of his courses and now hopes to help others. “My goal is to educate others and help them follow preventative diets in order to stop a number of common health conditions – including cancer – before they start.”
Dino has also launched a range of health products, which include hydrolised collagen powder, bullet proof coffee creamer and pure MCT oil, amongst others.
Details: www.theketosurfer.com
Text: LEAH SHONE
