
24/07/2025
Highlighting Mel
All of us at Vana Care are beyond proud of everything Mel has achieved. She’s literally come back from the dead, fought through the challenges of a brain injury, and is now using her story to inspire others to learn CPR — because it saved her life.
Her support worker Hollie says:
“It’s been amazing to support Mel as she works toward her goals—whether it’s cooking meals, getting her kids ready for school, or staying committed to the gym. I even jump in on the boxing sessions when she asks, and she’s told me how much it motivates her. With each goal she hits—like speaking publicly, volunteering at the library, and showing up for herself—her confidence grows. I help break things down so it’s not overwhelming, and it’s been incredible to see how far she’s come.”
Week by week, step by step, Mel keeps pushing forward. She’s an incredible mum, a resilient fighter, and a truly inspiring person. We’re so fortunate to walk alongside her on this journey and support her every step of the way.
We’re so proud of Mel, one of our incredible participants, for bravely sharing her story in this recent news article. Her journey is a powerful reminder of strength, growth, and the impact of the right support. Before you dive into the article, we just wanted to share a few words from our team who’ve had the privilege of walking alongside her.
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/health/conditions/heart-health/mumoftwo-melissa-hartman-bought-back-from-the-dead-after-suffering-cardiac-arrest/news-story/a8425bcb53affe52dd4f04f57433a11a?btr=7020303c3ad61030d1797b0f62c34496