His is a story that many will recognise, but few have an opportunity to hear first hand. Carlton players, coaches, staff and members were among the privileged few on Thursday night, when they heard from Andes plane crash survivor Nando Parrado at a special function at Myer Mural Hall. 

On October 13 1972, Nando Parrado and 15 of his Uruguayan rugby teammates were on a plane that crashed in the frozen Andes Mountains. Against all odds, they survived for 72 brutal days.

After waking from a concussion only to learn that his mother had died on impact and his sister was near death, Nando became obsessed with surviving. He and teammate Roberto Canessa eventually walked for 10 days to find their salvation.

Their story of courage, teamwork, determination and leadership, experienced at a level few have known, will leave you with a heightened awareness of the value of human life.

Soon after the rescue of the 16 survivors, Nando worked with Piers Paul Read, who penned the best-selling book Alive. Twenty years later, a film of the same name was released, starring Ethan Hawke as Nando.

Nando is himself the author of the New York Times bestseller Miracle in the Andes: 72 Days on the Mountain and My Long Trek Home. He is also a successful businessman and television producer.