Keanu Reeves: "Most people know me, but don't know my story." Facebook post

This is a post from 'Keanu Reeves Online', a Facebook fan page, and it's going viral right now.

"Most people know me, but don't know my story. At the age of 3, I watched my father leave. I attended four different high schools and struggled with dyslexia, making my education more challenging than it is for most. Eventually I left high school without earning a diploma. At the age of 23, my closest friend River Phoenix died of a drug overdose. In 1998, I met Jennifer Syme. We fell instantly in love and by 1999, Jennifer was pregnant with our daughter. Sadly, after eight months, our child was born stillborn. We were devastated by her death and it eventually ended our relationship. 18 months later, Jennifer died in a car accident. Since then I avoid serious relationships and having kids. My younger sister had lukemia. Today she is cured, and I donated 70% of my gains from the movie Matrix to Hospitals that treat leukemia. I am one of the only Hollywood stars without a Mansion. I don't have any bodyguards and do not wear fancy clothes. And even though I'm worth $100 million, I still ride the subway and I love it! So in the end, I think we can all pretty well agree that even in the face of tragedy, a stellar person can thrive. No matter what's going on in your life, you can overcome it! Life is worth living."

We know this is in line with Keanu's story, but, at time of publishing this post, we are verifying if these are actually Keanu's words... still profound, of course.

Raechelle Banno - 'Home And Away' New Cast Member

In TV news just in, actress Raechelle Banno is set to star in long-running Aussie soap 'Home And Away'.She will appear as a character named 'Olivia'. We think she's going to be HUGE!

In this article today in 'The Daily Telegraph', Raechelle is said to have been spotted smooching the show's 'bad boy' Hunter, who is played by actor Scott Lee.

The gorgeous Australian actress, who has an equally beautiful twin sister Karina, has already hosted her twin sister Karina on the show. And seeing as they are identical, you might mistake one for the other (story of their lives, no doubt), but it was when Karina was much younger so you'd be hard pressed to recognise her from that stint.

Indeed, it was Karina, also an actress, who posted this photo on her Instagram page, the news announced in 'The Daily Telegraph':

The beautiful 22 year old, who hails from Sydney’s west, previously appeared in Channel Seven’s 'In Your Dreams', and even made the final casting cut in Hollywood movie from earlier this year, 'Cinderella'. (You can see how that would be - she has the looks for that role).

And the gals (Raechelle on the left, and Karina on the right - I know... hard to tell the beauties apart!) at the recent Bonds 100th anniversary event:

And the Banno ladies with yours truly (I have known the young women, and their older sister Stephanie, since they were babies, through my dear longtime school friend).

Look out for Raechelle Banno on 'Home & Away' from this month.

You can follow Raechelle on Instagram HERE.

'Watch Me' (Whip/Nae Nae) + Bindi Irwin 'Dancing With The Stars' VIDEO

Bindi Irwin is officially ' all grown up'. And I am officially old. All in the same week.

Overnight, vision emerged of Bindi Irwin, the beautiful daughter of the late Steve Irwin, in a preview trailer of the show is set to appear on, the US version of 'Dancing With The Stars.'

She is doing the dance to the suddenly HUGELY popular song 'Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)', by Silentó:



The reason I am officially 'old'?

Because on the weekend, when we have regular dance offs in my home (yep! We LOVE it!) to whatever music video is playing on Foxtel's Music Max, my daughter taught me the actions to the above song. You wanna learn now, dontcha? Well... here is the full video below. Go on, learn the steps. Or better still, get your seven year old to show you, eek:

 

Taylor Swift - 'Wildest Dreams' VIDEO + PHOTOS

The new Taylor Swift video just made its debut at the VMAs.

It's the clip for 'Wildest Dreams' - and it stars the vey delicious Scott Eastwood (yep, actor and son of Clint):

'PeaceNic': Homicide Victims Support Group 'Unite Against Violence' Event, 2015

Following on from the book launch this week of the 'Doujon's Heart' book (see the coverage here), and the incredibly emotional '60 Minutes' Australia' interview (see that interview here), the annual 'Unite Against Violence' walk will be held, to honour and take a stand for all victims of homicide.

While in previous years the event included a walk across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, this year the event moves to Parramatta Park.

Read about last year's event here.

Here is more about this year's event - it's happening TOMORROW!

Homicide Victims Support Group (Australia) Inc. are inviting your support for this community awareness initiative.

They are hosting a picnic at Parramatta Park on Sunday 30 August 2015.

  

The picnic which they have called 'PeaceNIC' - is an inaugural event (different name this year, but same cause) and promises to be a wonderful day for all participants with free entertainment and activities. Food, drinks and goodies will be available, too.

One of the biggest highlights of the day is the annual 'Ride for Justice', organised by Channel 9’s Simon Bouda. Riders are exclusively members of The NSW Emergency Services, riding in support of HVSG. Seeing the whole fleet of bikes revving it up for good is quite a sight. You can check out their whole route here.

And read more about the incredible Ride For Justice here.

And read more about the focus of this year's event in The Blacktown Advocate here. (Photo credit: Blacktown Advocate):

Kathryn Szyszka (sister of the late Anita Cobby), Simon Bouda, and HVSG executive director Martha Jabour

This is a day for Homicide Victims Support Group members and the community to acknowledge all homicide victims and their families. We aim to create awareness that any type of violence can lead to death. 

Homicide Victims Support Group members are forced to find a way to survive not only the death of their loved one but also the horrific, enduring and unrecognised aspects of this such as the court processes, the media coverage and day to day living. 

The HVSG was set up in June 1993 by the parents of Anita Cobby and Ebony Simpson to offer counselling and support to families and friends of homicide victims. 

Says Chantelle Pirotta, Trauma and Bereavement Counsellor for the organisation:

"We are seeking your support and involvement with promoting our event and the existence of the group to the wider community. The stark reality is that murder does not discriminate. In New South Wales one murder is committed every three days. Currently there is over three thousand and seven hundred families in the group and that number sadly continues to grow."

More info about the day:

- Jumping castle

- Entertainment by Sydney Youth Jazz

- Activities and games

- Facepainting

All of the above is FREE!

There will be food and goodies available for a gold coin donation. A cake stall, sausage sizzle, popcorn, fairy floss, slushies, tea, coffee, food and drink. YES! Yum (gosh, I love kids' party food).

You are welcome to bring your picnic essentials; rug, chairs, hat, sunscreen, bicycles and helmets (a bike riding track is on the park grounds)

The day is for Homicide Victims Support Group members and the community to acknowledge all homicide victims. Together, we can all create awareness that ANY type of violence can lead to death.

HVSG members are forced to live with the reality of the devastating and horrific ramifications of violence.

You will find PeaceNic at Pavilion Flat Parramatta Park - A short walk from Parramatta train station and bus terminal. Ticketed parking is available within the park and surrounding streets.

The organisers want to thank Rotary Club of Wetherill Park, Rotary Club of Blacktown and Lady of Fatima, Lend a Hand Committee and Simon Bouda for their support.

Here are some photos from past events:

'Doujon's Heart' Book Launch: Zammit and Gribilas Families: PHOTOS

What a day it was today.

The launch of the long-awaited book 'Doujon's Heart', the story of Doujon Zammit, his life and tragic death, and the far reaching and life altering impact his decision to one day donate his organs should the need arise (that decision was verbalised during a family conversation around the dinner table, before his trip overseas), and how that would change the course of many lives - forever.

The book is very much also the story of Kosta Gribilas, the man who received Doujon's heart in a heart transplant operation half a world away in Greece, the same country where Doujon met his tragic fate.

It's also the story of the incredible friendship forged between two families, joined by tragedy, and forever linked by the chain of events, a story many around the world now know.

And: it's the story of unspeakable sadness, experienced again when Kosta and his wife Poppy lost their beloved baby daughter Konstantina Angelique.

The authors Greg Callaghan and Ian Cuthbertson have captured the stories of all these incredible people, and the collision of events which led to a lifelong bond.

The book is out August 31, and can be pre-ordered now.

The event: a beautiful event held at NSW Parliament House, officially launched by the Hon. Jillian Skinner, MP NSW Minister for Health, introduced by Dr Alan Amodeo, Director of Transplant Australia, with authors Greg Callaghan and Ian Cuthbertson expressing their gratitude working on this immense and emotional project, and Dr Elena Cavazzoni, NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service's state medical director, who gave some sobering stats on organ donation (see clip below), and what it all truly means, beyond the actual organ donation.

And then: Rosemarie spoke her beautiful heartfelt words, knowing what a journey it has been, and honouring her family and her 'earth angels', Oliver spoke off the cuff and we shed tears alongside him, and then some concise and emotional words from Kosta, with wife Poppy by his side. Allen and Unwin publisher Jane Palfreyman also spoke about how this story came to life in book format, and the audience all agreed with the authors' sentiments: how can you not love these beautiful people?

Here are some snaps and pics from the day (there are probably far too many of me and the families, more than I'd usually post in an event wrap up, but I was so happy for all involved today, and thought I'd also share some of my snaps, too):

Rosemarie and Oliver Zammit, just after the book is officially launched 

Kosta Gribilas signing books, alongside his wife Poppy, below

Rosemarie and Oliver Zammit, and Poppy and Kosta Gribilas

Rosemarie and Oliver Zammit signing books side by side, just as they everything in life

Zeake Zammit and Josie 

Oliver Zammit signing books

  

Oliver Zammit and Josie

Here is some footage from the day (originally taken on my Instagram page @josiegags - hence the reason they are all (bar one) 15 seconds long:

SEE THE WHOLE '60 MINUTES' STORY + EXTRAS HERE.

You can read the Josie's Juice interview with Olly and Rose on king-hits here.

You can read how the Zammit family are involved in the 'Unite Against Violence' walk here.

And you can see the 2008 '60 Minutes' Australia Liz Hayes interview transcript with the Zammit and Gribilas family here.

Jessica Rowe: 'Is This My Beautiful Life?' - 'Studio 10' VIDEO

Did you watch this, this morning?

Jessica Rowe is completely frank on 'Studio 10' (the TV show she is on daily), about the past few pivotal years of her life, which she details in great length in her new book, 'Is This My Beautiful Life.'

Zammit, Gribilas Families '60 Minutes' VIDEO: 'Friends for Life'

Many Australians were gripped by the story on last night's '60 Minutes' Australia - with the Zammy family and the Gribilas family.

At the very heart of it - in every sense of the word - was a young man named Doujon Zammit.

The story of both families is connected in ways they didn't think possible.

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO WATCH THE WHOLE STORY HERE.

Says the video description:

When Australian teenager Doujon Zammit was murdered on holidays in Greece in 2008, his mother and father put aside their grief to donate his major organs. That selfless act saved the lives of four people, including Kostas Gribilas who received Doujon’s heart. It was a gift that would set these two families on a life journey like no other. Kostas and his fiancé Poppy since moved to Australia – around the corner from Doujon’s parents, Oliver and Rosemarie. They are now best friends – at their wedding Oliver was Doujon’s best man. And the best friends have been there through more heartbreak – this time together. On 60 Minutes, reporter Liz Hayes tells this remarkable story of love, sacrifice, and loss and the friendship that has held them all together.

Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Howard Sacre

Viewer Contacts

For information go to:      

www.donatelife.gov.au

http://www.facebook.com/DonateLifeAustralia

TO WATCH PART ONE OF THE 60 MINUTES 'EXTRA MINUTES' CLICK HERE.


TO WATCH PART TWO OF THE 60 MINUTES 'EXTRA MINUTES' CLICK HERE.

Josie's Juice interviewed Rosemarie and Oliver Zammit, on the eve of the screening of the story, and the book launch. YOU CAN READ THAT INTERVIEW HERE.

Details on the book and how to buy it - it is out now - are here.

You can read how the Zammit family are involved in the 'Unite Against Violence' walk here.

And you can see the 2008 '60 Minutes' Australia Liz Hayes interview transcript with the Zammit and Gribilas family here.

'Doujon's Heart': Rosemarie + Oliver Zammit Interview, '60 Minutes' Story

You've likely just watched the incredibly moving story of the Zammit and Gribilas family on '60 Minutes' and were knocked for six with all the twists and turns in a story that just keeps pulling at the heartstrings. You can't quite believe what all four of these beautiful people have gone through.

UPDATED: WATCH '60 MINUTES' EXTRA MINUTES CLIP HERE.

And an additional EXTRAS CLIP HERE.

Doujon Zammit, and Rosemarie and Oliver Zammit: Screenshot from '60 Minutes' Australia, from photo supplied by Zammit family

Josie's Juice spoke with Rosemarie and Oliver Zammit earlier today on the eve of the book launch honouring their late son, Doujon Zammit. The book is titled 'Doujon's Heart', and is written by Greg Callaghan and Ian Cuthbertson. It will be released on August 24 (the cover is below).

Today, I asked Rosemarie how she felt when she first held the book in her hand.

"That's a good question! There were a 100 different emotions," she says.

"I was, I suppose, happy because I had visualised it [the book], you know, that voice inside me said, "Do this. Do this", and it's happened." We made it happen. it's a sense of accomplishment, relief.

"But then, you know, the sadness comes into it as well, of course, because the book is our journey with the loss of Doujon, so there is a huge weight that comes with it as well.

"But you know what, I'm proud as well. There are… a whole lot of emotions, Josie." (The Zammit family and my family have known each other for years - my husband has known Olly and his brother Joe since he was a child).

I suggest to Rose that this book, to tell this story, and to give this message to the world has come at an incredible cost.

"Yes, it has. But, can I tell you, I feel like it could have been a different story. You know, we could have been really angry, and bitter, and… our whole lives would have been different. Our boys (Olly and Rose's sons, middle son Zeake and and youngest son Laurent) could have been bitter.

"I know, in my heart, that Olly and I made the right choices. Not only for ourselves, but for the boys, and their future. And, you know what Josie, that's not who we are anyway. It would have been, it would have been a horrible thing to live with, you know, that anger, that bitterness, that hatred, you know… and that consuming feeling would have ruined our lives, so I'm really grateful that we've chosen to go the other way, and good things have come out of it, you know, with Doujon's decision of organ donation four people have a second chance of life.

"We've chosen to not harbour the anger and that bitterness, and we put that focus on a different energy. Gratitude is one of the things that got us through, I suppose, hey Ol," she says to her beloved husband.

"Just being grateful that we had Doujon… I think once we've spoken to you about this: that one day Olly just said: "Let's be grateful that we had Doujon for the 20 years that we were given with him."

"You know that one thought changes your whole outlook on everything."

To hear Rose say that they chose not to harbour anger and bitterness makes me believe that they have in fact changed the course of their sons' lives, and their own lives, and I express this to her.

"But… We have. We have. I know that. I felt… when we went to Greece with '60 Minutes' [in 2008] Josie, I remember… one of the days we went to Mykonos and I was so bitter and angry, and I remember Olly saying to me: "If you stayed like that, we're not going to stay together."

"Because, this anger is a horrible, horrible emotion. It's probably the worst emotion. And I'd never been like that before. I can honestly say that was probably the first time I was ever like that, hey Ol," she asks Olly, who has been through thick and thin with his beloved wife. The couple know each other inside and out, and to witness their love is to see a deep and unbreakable love which is as rare as it is heartwarming.

"It was horrible. Horrible. It's consuming. It's just… and it's really sad for people that have to live with that everyday, because it would just be horrible not to be to have control of yourself, and [not be able to] let it go. You know, not to find peace."

I ask Rose how she views their friendship with Kosta and Poppy over the years. So, when she first met Kosta, when she first touched Doujon's heart in Kosta's body, when Kosta and Poppy's baby was born, and when, tragically (as viewers discovered tonight in the TV interview) baby Konstantina died at age eight months. (The couple have since set up the 'Konstantina Angelique Gribilas Foundation' - you can 'like' and support them on Facebook here).

"I have to say, it was a really hard road for me, as I imagine it would have been for Kosta and Poppy. Because it's not… it's not the norm, Josie. You know… and the four of us can understand why, because it is a hard road, you know, for the [donor organ] recipients. Kosta and that sense of guilt… and for me, I was consumed with sadness. That was my main emotion. Losing Doujon, I was just so… sad.

"We had a lot of other things to deal with. Like, legalities, you know [the court case in Greece with the perpetrators of Doujon's death]. That was very early in the piece when it all happened. There were a whole lot of things that we had to deal with.

"So, meeting Kosta brought on all these different emotions. So yes, it was a hard road.

"But the thing is Josie is that they're [Kosta and Poppy] such beautiful human beings. You know, they're really good people and… one day, they were in the courtroom and I remember thinking to myself: you know, they don't really need to be here. This is after the first major court appearance on the island. And, they were there the whole time with the boys and us, and that was hard because Kosta had to actually listen to what happened to Doujon, and how he received his second chance of life.

"But our friendship has evolved because we all have respect, we have huge respect for each other. And with respect comes love. I think without respect you can't love someone."

Rose recounts how she was asked to be Godmother to Kosta and Poppy's baby Konstantina, which she says, "To me, was a huge honour. Because, as you know Josie, babies bring so much joy. I knew how much happiness she brought them. She was beautiful. This beautiful little baby. She was gorgeous. And they just absolutely idolised her. Like, we do [our children], you know. She brought them so much happiness, it was like… you know… this angel had come into their lives.

"You know, for me, I was so grateful because they have such a huge family, and friends, so to ask me was a huge honour. And I was 'ready' at that time, my emotions, I felt… you know, I felt like I was able to, with my emotions… I was in a lot better place, that I could deal with it all a lot more."

When I met up with Rose and Olly at the beginning of last year, baby Konstantina had just died. And I reminded Rose today that she'd said to me at the time how, sadly, Kosta expressed how he now truly understood their grief even more, and differently.

"Yes, definitely. He said to me that he thought he understood what we were going through, but until you lose your child, you can't possibly understand.

"Like, I can't say to you that there are words to describe the pain. There's nothing, is there? There's nothing [that compares]. I can't say to someone this is what it feels like, because there's nothing bad enough to explain how it feels to lose a child. Because there is nothing I have ever felt that comes close to that.

"And you know, my poor mother, I lost my mother six months after Doujon died, and…", Rose trails off. I know from my previous conversations that she felt overwhelmed with grief and that almost didn't grieve her mother in the way she'd imagined or hoped.

I ask Rose what her coping mechanism was in the early days, with all that raw emotion.

"I learnt that I had to… I learnt I had to, quiet my mind. That was probably one of the biggest things for me. I had to get this peace in my head.

"I was saying this Liz Hayes when she interviewed us [in 2008]: I used to visualise Doujon being bashed, especially when it first happened, it was horrible. And I knew that I couldn't stay like that. It was just really, really bad. And I had to learn to put that in the back of my head, and I learned to meditate on my own. I had to learn to quieten my mind down, and listen to the birds, and all the things that are usually in the background.

"And, I'd pray. I prayed a lot. I prayed for strength all the time. I used to pray for strength. 

"And also: Olly was a huge rock for me. All our friends, our family, were wonderful. We just had an amazing network. I call them my 'earth angels'", adds Rose with a sweet laugh.

I ask what kind of space does she feel she's at now, and if it varies each day?

"It does, especially at the moment. So many emotions come back. By tonight, for example (when the '60 Minutes' story screens), Olly and I will be exhausted. By the time we watch it… like, even talking to you… it's very draining, Josie. Because you're talking about your life and all your emotions, and everything that's happened to your child."

I express to Rose that I think that social media will be helpful to her and Olly after the program screens, where they can draw from the kind words offered up by others. She agrees.

Rose admits she hasn't read the book excerpt published yesterday in the 'Good Weekend' liftout magazine in 'The Sydney Morning Herald.' (Read a backgrounder and find the link to the whole story here).

"I haven't read it. I couldn't read it. I started and then I thought, 'No. I can't read this.'

"And, like I said to the boys: 'You know, we've lived it, so it's okay to not read it now. I don't need to read it. It's okay - they started to read the book but they couldn't get through it. And that's exactly what I had to say to them: 'It's okay, if you can't read it, don't. You lived it. So, it's fine. It's all good'".

For his part, when I speak to Olly earlier in the day, he says that he read the book across two days, and that at times, it was definitely hard for him to continue reading it, but he persevered, and says that he reached out to Doujon's spirit and asked him to give him a sign, in order to continue reading.

Later that day, Olly recounts, he meets someone who shares his late son's birthday. That was his sign. He continued to read the book until he finished it.

Rose says that, of course, she has read the book in its entirety because "I had to proof-read it. So I had to go through it. But that was so hard. Oh. As much as I wanted to read it, it was so hard."

"And I don't think I would have been the person I am today had we not gone down the path we did.

"I think the four of us have learned so much about life that we wouldn't have learnt had we not  gone through this tragedy, this loss, you know."

If she could crystallise into one sentence what she has learned, how would she say that, I ask Rose? In addition to the huge life lesson of letting go of intense anger.

"I think I look at life differently, I have a much deeper appreciation to life. You know, some people look at life very much… on the surface of it. But there are so many layers to it. Not everyone gets that, Josie… as you know. All those little things that really matter.

"You know, a tree," she says with her trademark Rosemarie laugh. "I look at a tree now, you know, the roots, and you think, wow, how beautiful, and just… there's a different appreciation to life.

"We are more grateful. Lots of lessons in our book, and what we've learnt, so… I hope people get it [those lessons]."

I offer up: the story is a powerful, moving one - but if you look beyond the story, the lessons can be absolutely life changing.

"Yes. You know the power of the human spirit is underestimated also. Like, we don't realise how powerful we are. And then, with everyone helping us, you know, our family and friends, we're very powerful."

Details on the book and how to pre-order it - it is released in September - are here.

You can see the new '60 Minutes' interview trailer here. 

You can read the Josie's Juice interview with Olly and Rose on king-hits here.

You can read how the Zammit family are involved in the 'Unite Against Violence' walk here.

And you can see the 2008 '60 Minutes' Australia Liz Hayes interview transcript with the Zammit and Gribilas family here.

Alan Watts - Acceptance of Death: VIDEO

Published on 31 Jan 2015, and now at 1.6 million views at time of writing, this video about death will truly get you thinking. And sad. And it's very powerful. But yes… you will quite possibly think of death differently. 

Says the video description:

"If you are afraid of death, be afraid. The point is to get with it, to let it take over - fear, ghosts, pains, transience, dissolution, and all. And then comes the hitherto unbelievable surprise; you don't die because you were never born. You had just forgotten who you are.”

One of the most powerful thoughts Watts expresses in this video is this: ”We live in a culture where it has been rubbed into us in every conceivable way that to die is a terrible thing. And that is a tremendous disease from which our culture in particular suffers.”

From my perspective, I was constantly on edge about death. I was constantly finding ways to keep my mother alive. I was her daughter, but in the last decade of her life, I was her carer, even before that. Only I can define when it began and ended, that carer journey with her.

What I DO now is that when it officially ended on August 15, 2014 - she was, I believe, born into a new life. An afterlife. And in her death, she gave me even more life. Only a carer, deeply entrenched in the keeping someone alive, truly understands that statement.

I also know that now… I am no longer afraid of death. Mine, yes. My husband's, my family's, my extended family's, my friends'. But that feeling of deep and utter dread, where I did not when she would die, which I correlated with how well I could advocate and care for her, has left me forever. Life is different now. And I do understand that journey more.

Ironically, last night - before even seeing this video - I contemplated what the circle of life meant. Now that the one year anniversary of my mother's death has just passed, I again feel different about the new stage on the journey of grief. 

I can see - even more clearly now - that my mother was ready to leave this earth. She looked around and even in her heightened state of advanced dementia knew her job was done. I can only imagine the fear and sadness knowing you are leaving a world, a family, a whole existence you have created for yourself. But, the circle of life, of having children (and even if you don't), of knowing our place in the world, makes more sense when you truly experience the deep and utter heartbreak of death. Although, as Alan Watts explains, we need to, as a society, approach death differently.

You can like more from the team on Facebook here.

Photo: http://www.collective-evolution.com

'Doujon's Gift': '60 Minutes' Australia - FULL TRANSCRIPT

Here is the full transcript of the '60 Minutes' Australia story on Doujon Zammit, the Zammit family and the Gribilas family which screened on Sunday, September 7, 2008, in light of the new story on Doujon and the families, set to screen story this Sunday on the program (see previews for that here).

Photo: 60 Minutes Australia, supplied by the Zammit family

Full transcript:

INTRODUCTION LIZ HAYES: I remember when I first heard about young Doujon Zammit. Like you I thought, "What a waste, what a dreadful waste." He was just 20 years old. There he was one moment, having the holiday of his life on the Greek island of Mykonos. The next, he was being bashed senseless by a nightclub bouncer. And then came that terrible decision for his parents - to turn off his life support system. But despite their grief, the Zammits were certain of one thing - their son would not be forgotten. And he won't be. Tonight, an emotional journey as Oliver and Rosemarie Zammit go back to Greece, and meet the people Doujon saved.

STORY LIZ HAYES: As night falls over Athens, two families meet. Strangers from across the world now linked forever by a powerful bond.

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: I think he chose you. You look very good.

KOSTA GRIBILAS: I am.

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: I'm glad.

LIZ HAYES: In their darkest hour, Rosemarie and Oliver Zammit gave Kosta Gribilas the gift of life. Inside Kosta's chest beats the heart of their murdered son, Doujon. This story begins here, amid the highly-charged party atmosphere on the Greek island of Mykonos. Just over a month ago, 20-year-old Doujon and his cousin Cameron were celebrating the last days of a European vacation.

LIZ HAYES: Doujon sounded happy?

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: He was wonderful. They were both having a wonderful time.

OLIVER ZAMMIT: He was looking forward to coming back for his Mother's birthday. We planned just to go out and have a bit of dinner and just discuss his trip, and hear all the funny stories.

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: He kept telling us he had so many stories to tell us when he got back home.

OLIVER ZAMMIT: Stories that we'll never hear now.

LIZ HAYES: Like many young Australians, Doujon had planned and saved for his overseas adventure, and independent rite of passage before settling down to serious work. His parents had encouraged the trip and threw a party before he and Cameron left. He was headed out on a trip of a lifetime - is that how he viewed it?

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: Yes, it was his goal. It was the start of a journey for him. He had so many big dreams, so many plans for his life.

LIZ HAYES: On 30 July, Doujon and Cameron were at the Mykonos Tropicana Club living life to the full. At the same time, across the Aegean Sea, in Athens, doctors were telling 31-year-old Kosta Gribilas he was dying.

KOSTA GRIBILAS: The doctors said to me, "Your heart is not good, it is not well, it is not healthy."

LIZ HAYES: Kosta, a journalist, was born in Australia but came to Greece 20 years ago. Late last year he was struck down with cardiomyopathy, a fatal viral heart condition. To live, doctors said, he needed a transplant. You knew for you to live, somebody had to die?

KOSTA GRIBILAS: Yes, unfortunately.

LIZ HAYES: That's a very difficult thing for you, I know.

KOSTA GRIBILAS: That's the hardest chapter in this book of my life.

LIZ HAYES: But very soon, Kosta's life and the life of Doujon Zammit would collide. Doujon and his cousin Cameron had gone to Paradise Beach, the most popular night spot in Mykonos. But the night ended in tragedy after they left the club to make their way home. Just as they reached here, a jeep screeched to a halt and four big bouncers jumped out. One of them extended a metal telescopic baton and started attacking them. Doujon collapsed unconscious, but then came to again and was able to walk to the ambulance. But then then he collapsed again and never woke up.

OLIVER ZAMMIT: We were told that he had passed away, then we were told he was on life support, we were told he had opened up one of his eyes, we were getting all these conflicting reports.

LIZ HAYES: None of it was good?

OLIVER ZAMMIT: No, no.

LIZ HAYES: Oliver Zammit flew immediately to Greece, to Doujon's bedside, praying for a miracle - that his son would wake up.

OLIVER ZAMMIT: I sat by his side, with tubes coming out of his mouth and his head bandaged, with the machines still helping his heart to beat and breathe, and I spoke to the doctor and the doctor explained to me that he was brain dead. I knew once it was explained that there was no brain activity, that there was no way I was taking my son home alive.

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: I go to bed with visions of Doujon up against a wall laying down. What pain did he go through? Did he suffer? As a parent you think of all those things. You want to protect your children, but you can't.

OLIVER ZAMMIT: And then just wake up missing him. Every morning.

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: Too painful. It's just too painful, Liz.

LIZ HAYES: The murder of Doujon and his father's mission to Athens became a huge news story. Greeks were shocked and ashamed.

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: I can't understand how these men actually got in a car and planned to go out and hurt or kill Cameron and Doujon.

LIZ HAYES: As the saga played out very publicly, a grief stricken Oliver made the extraordinary decision to donate his son's organs to Greek transplant patients.

OLIVER ZAMMIT: My wife Rosemarie and Doujon's two brothers, Zeake and Laurent, and myself have decided to donate his organs. I understand there is a man waiting for his heart now. And he will be receiving his heart about 12 o'clock tonight. And I'm hoping that will help him and keep him alive.

LIZ HAYES: That man was Kosta Gribilas, by now in the final stages of heart failure. Amazingly, he learned of Doujon's gift at the same time as the rest of the world. That's the first you heard of it?

KOSTA GRIBILAS: The first.

LIZ HAYES: On television?

KOSTA GRIBILAS: On television, yes. I was shocked.

LIZ HAYES: I'll bet you were. I can't even comprehend how you felt?

KOSTA GRIBILAS: I was happy, but in my happiness I was crying, I was crying for Doujon.

LIZ HAYES: Kosta wasn't the only one to benefit. Three other people received vital organs from Doujon. The 20-year-old was a supporter of organ donation and had talked to his mum and dad and brothers Zeake and Laurent about it, before his trip.

LIZ HAYES: You didn't have any hesitation?

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: Not at all.

OLIVER ZAMMIT: We had to respect his wishes.

LIZ HAYES: I think the extraordinary thing is, that even in this deepest, darkest hour of your own you chose to give life to people in their nation.

OLIVER ZAMMIT: I didn't choose it, it was my son's wishes.

LIZ HAYES: But you saw them through?

OLIVER ZAMMIT: Yes, well I did that for my son.

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: You were his voice. We honoured his wishes, we have no regrets.

PETRO ALIVIZATOS: That was a very handsome young man. It was, it was a shame to see this boy dead. I mean, it was just heart wrenching, really.

LIZ HAYES: Like the rest of the nation, Greece's chief transplant surgeon Dr Petro Alivizatos was humbled by the Zammit family's decision.

PETRO ALIVIZATOS: To me, it was incredible. My reaction, I'm afraid, would be: "You bastards killed my son, you're not going to have any part of him. "I'm taking him home and burying him." I'm afraid that's how my reaction would be.

LIZ HAYES: Well, it was the ultimate gift.

PETRO ALIVIZATOS: Absolutely.

LIZ HAYES: Last week, the Zammit family returned to Greece. and to Mykonos where Doujon spent his last days. Death and grief seem so out of place on this holiday island.

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: I can't believe I have to do this, it shouldn't have happened.

OLIVER ZAMMIT: Life goes on in Mykonos. Life goes on and as parents that's...

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: We've been dealt a death sentence for the rest of our lives.

OLIVER ZAMMIT: And that's hard to deal with.

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: We've had to live with the death of Doujon, the passing of Doujon. We'll never see him again, never smell him again, all those things come into it. LIZ HAYES: But this trip is about healing and hope. They have come here to meet the people their son saved.

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: I'm looking forward to meeting the family and just even... being able to touch his heart.

KOSTA GRIBILAS: For me, the Zammit family is my family too.

LIZ HAYES: You feel that way?

KOSTA GRIBILAS: Yes. It's only 25, 26 days, but I feel them as a family. I haven't seen them, I haven't spoken with them, but I feel really, really, close with them.

LIZ HAYES: This is the moment the Zammit family has been so desperately wanting.

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: I think he chose you.

KOSTA GRIBILAS: Thank you.

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: You look very good.

KOSTA GRIBILAS: I am.

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: I'm glad.

LIZ HAYES: It's bitter-sweet sadness at the loss of their son, joy that his passing has saved others.

KOSTA GRIBILAS: I want to thank you, and I'm really, really, sorry about your loss, but I'm glad that I'm fine now. And this is the first time I'm touching my heart, my chest.

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: Really?

KOSTA GRIBILAS: The first time.

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: I'm so glad that out of Doujon's passing he has saved four people and helped four people, and that is the best thing that has come out of this tragedy. So I'm so glad you received his heart, Kosta.

KOSTA GRIBILAS: Me too, and I know it's really hard for you, really, really hard, and I know that there is no words, that you can describe it. But the only thing I can do is promise you that I'm going to look after it.

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: I'm sure you will.

LIZ HAYES: On the same night Kosta received his heart, Maria, a mother of two, ended 13 years of serious illness when she received Doujon's liver.

TRANSLATOR: She feels very awkward. She is very, very happy, but confused. It's a great gift - a gift of life for her.

LIZ HAYES: Meetings like these are difficult for everyone. Yannos received a kidney and pancreas. His recovery has been a little slower, but he's doing well.

TRANSLATOR: He thanks you. Because you made a great decision to give the organs to other people.

OLIVER ZAMMIT: Take care.

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: God Bless you.

LIZ HAYES: The fourth recipient, Loukas, received Doujon's other kidney. He sent the family these photos and a letter of gratitude. Kosta has had made a remarkable recovery. His new heart is showing no signs of rejection and incredibly, he is hoping to be back at work in just two weeks. You have a wife, Poppy?

KOSTA GRIBILAS: Yes.

LIZ HAYES: And you've got plans?

KOSTA GRIBILAS: Yes. First of all I want kids.

LIZ HAYES: That's the first thing?

KOSTA GRIBILAS: Yes, that's the first thing I asked my doctors - when can I have kids?

LIZ HAYES: And you were told?

KOSTA GRIBILAS: Relax, relax, its really, really early. You have to heal first and after that, we're going to see.

LIZ HAYES: This has been a harrowing time for the Zammits. The nightmare no parent should ever have to experience. Losing Doujon has been devastating, but knowing their son has given life to so many others helps them just a little.

ROSEMARY ZAMMIT: I think giving life is wonderful.

OLIVER ZAMMIT: And so easily done, it is so easily done.

ROSEMARY ZAMMIT: And Doujon will live on.

LIZ HAYES: Do you see it like that?

ROSEMARIE ZAMMIT: Yes, I do.

OLIVER ZAMMIT: His life continues on, his legacy will always continue on.

ROSEMARY ZAMMIT: Even though there is not a day, an hour or a moment that goes by when we don't miss him.

LIZ HAYES: It's your heart, though, now.

KOSTA GRIBILAS: It's our heart.

LIZ HAYES: Is that how you see it?

KOSTA GRIBILAS: Yes, it's OUR heart.

Via 60 Minutes Australia website.