Tania Magoci is not letting Motor Neurone Disease (MND) get in the way of living.The determined mum of two has applied to be a housemate on the next series of Big Brother. Picture: Anthony Stipo
YOU only live once.
When Tania Magoci, who has Motor Neurone Disease (MND), asked her children Jordan, 12 and Lavinia, 9, how they'd feel if she applied to be a contestant on the next series of the reality show Big Brother, they replied "YOLO".
"I had no idea what that meant, but then they explained that it stands for You Only Live Once and I thought it was brilliant, because it's so true," she said.
"When I saw they were calling for people to apply I thought it would be a great way to get MND out there and raise awareness.
"I know it's a massive long shot that I'll get in, but I've been given an interview date in Sydney on April 14. I was due to go back to see my doctor that week anyway.
"I've had lots of support from locals who are encouraging me to have a go."
Ms Magoci lost her mother and grandfather to MND, which is a progressive, degenerative disorder, with no cure.
The former hairdresser was diagnosed with the condition in February, 2011 and has since lost muscle function down her left side.
"The only drawback for me about doing this is the time I'll have to be away from my kids, but if I happen to get on Big Brother they've said they won't mind because they can watch me on TV anyway," she said.
"At 34 I'll be classified as older housemate. I do worry they won't take me because of my MND but its not going to stop me from trying.
"My kids have given their blessing and that is the most important thing for me. It's such a long shot that I'll make it anyway. It will be like winning the lottery.
"Last year's winner Ben had been trying for years to get on. But it's like anything, unless you have a go you don't know.
"I want to raise the profile of MND and have fun doing it. I think this would be a good way of doing it. I'm one of those people who has to be doing something. I need to keep busy."
As the rep coordinator for 17s netball in Griffith, that's exactly what Ms Magoci does.
"I reckon that if I can handle coaching 17-year-old girls and all their dramas I can handle being a in house with anyone," she said.
"My MND is moving slowly. I still have the odd fall and end up in hospital, but I'm stubborn, I'll keep doing whatever I can while I can."