Renowned radio producer and presenter, the voice of our community, Rena Frangioudaki, known for her dynamic personality and vitality, has recently emerged from the shadows, making headlines with news that transcends her already unpredictable daily life.
The shocking incident occurred a few days ago when the ceiling of her apartment unexpectedly collapsed, resulting in her injury.
The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the community, and as she explains to Neos Kosmos, “this horrifying experience filled me with insecurity and fear. Certainly, my life will change after this event.”
The day everything changed
Tuesday, January 9, 2024, started as a typical day for Rena Frangioudaki and her son, Giannis, who had come from Greece to spend the holidays with his beloved mother.
“It was around 10 in the morning, and we were looking at some photos. Giannis was holding me in his arms, with his hand around my shoulders. That’s what saved me,” recounts Mrs Frangioudaki with a trembling voice.
Suddenly and without the slightest warning, except for a faint momentary creaking sound, the ceiling of their home collapsed, falling onto them.
Giannis instinctively covered her as much as he could.
Lifting the piece that fell on her back and shoulder, he shouted for her to crawl out from underneath.
Rena describes the shock and fear that overwhelmed her, stating, “My son saved me.”
Injuries to body and soul
The ceiling collapse caused injuries to Rena Frangioudaki’s neck and left shoulder, leading her to wear a collar for some time.
“I have a constant tremor. I can’t hold anything without it falling. I can’t stand on my own. I have to support myself with both hands,” she says, describing her health condition after the accident.
However, she believes that things could have been much worse, attributing her survival to divine intervention.
“Thank God I’m alive. I have some angel up there, it’s true… If my son were absent? I don’t know if I would die, but I would certainly have a big problem.”
She goes on to speak about the inner strength that characterises her and her faith in God and the Virgin Mary, helping her to face and overcome all life’s difficulties without giving up.
But, as she admits, what happened terrified her deeply.
The big changes
Rena Frangioudaki had been living in the same house for the past ten years.
“I, my dear, loved the community so much that I put even my child in second place for its sake,” she tells Neos Kosmos.
“My mind was not on money but on contribution. I tried to make ends meet with a small salary. At some point, when I couldn’t bear it anymore, I asked for help, and through an acquaintance I had at Social Services, I found this house – it’s a government one, you know.”
After the accident, Mrs Frangioudaki moved to a hotel as her house was unsuitable for habitation.
Although she fears to re-enter the house, “once it’s fixed, I have to go to gather my things and get up to leave.”
Returning to Greece
Clearly in a state of shock, Rena Frangioudaki declares her determination to follow her son Giannis, permanently returning to Greece.
“This last incident shook me. I don’t want to stay here anymore. Nothing holds me in Australia anymore, even though I lived in this country for 57 whole years. I want to be with my child now,” she says with a hint of bitterness in her voice.
Rena is resilient
While she expresses fear and shock from the sudden collapse of her apartment’s ceiling, and despite the fact that this incident will completely change her life, her response to this trial serves as an example of human resilience and hope in a very challenging moment.
From the beloved voice of our community, our dear Rena’s beautiful soul, we wouldn’t expect anything different.
Even when the sky literally fell on her head, she remains strong, rarely optimistic, in the dignified solitude she now faces.
The photos sent to Neos Kosmos by Rena Frangioudaki’s son, Giannis, are staggering, depicting the great destruction and the peril from which his mother literally miraculously escaped.
