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Melissah Hodzic

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$2,818

My Goal

$500

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My Progress

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Raised $2,818

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306 moving minutes logged

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Minutes Moved:

306 minutes

I’m taking on the challenge of Stride4Stroke and raising funds for Stroke Foundation!

My Stroke Story ❤️

On 9 May 2026, at just 30 years old, my life changed forever.

In the weeks leading up to my stroke, I was experiencing ongoing neck pain and other symptoms. After seeking help from medical professionals, I was initially misdiagnosed and told I had pulled a muscle in my neck. I later went to a chiropractor seeking relief, and shortly afterwards, I suffered a stroke.

I was eventually found to have suffered a left vertebral artery dissection, which caused a left medullary brainstem stroke.

What followed was a journey I never could have imagined!!
I went from being active, independent and doing everything for myself, to barely being able to move. I had to relearn how to walk, eat, swallow, coordinate my movements and find my balance. I temporarily lost my voice and I have had to retrain my eyes and head to work together again.

Things I had always taken for granted suddenly became achievements. It honestly felt like my brain had been reset and, in many ways, so had my life! It completely changed my entire outlook on life and made me realise what truly matters!!!

As a single mum, there was no simply pressing pause on life. I still had a little person who needed me, even on the days I was scared, exhausted and had no idea what my future was going to look like.

Stroke recovery has been about so much more than the physical side. There has been fear, frustration, grief and uncertainty, but also incredible strength, gratitude and moments I never thought I’d experience!
I’ve had to rebuild my confidence, learn to trust my body again and accept that recovery takes time.

One of the biggest things I’ve learnt is that what you can do today is NOT the limit of what you can do tomorrow!!

There were so many things I was terrified I’d never be able to do again. But rehabilitation pushed me further than I thought I could go, and every small achievement helped me feel a little safer, a little stronger and a little more like myself again.

I want to give a huge shout-out to the Emergency Department and Stroke Ward at Lyell McEwin Hospital, the Inpatient Rehabilitation Ward at Modbury Hospital and SpARC Rehabilitation Centre at Modbury.
To every doctor, nurse, therapist and rehabilitation professional who supported me - THANK YOU will never feel like enough!! You didn’t just help me recover physically, you helped me rebuild my confidence and rediscover what I was capable of!
You guys are the true GOATs!!! 😝❤️🥰

And to my mum, dad, family and friends- your love, patience, support and belief in me carried me through some of the hardest days of my life. I am so incredibly grateful for every single one of you!!

Now, it’s my turn to give back!!! 💪🏽🏃🏽‍♀️🧠☺️
This September, I’m taking part in Stride for Stroke to raise awareness and funds for people and families affected by stroke.

I know first hand how frightening it is to have your entire world turned upside down. I also know how important it is to have people around you who help you find hope, keep moving forward and remind you that better days are possible!!

My story is just one stroke story. Everyone’s experience is different, and everyone’s recovery looks different. But if sharing mine can give someone else a little hope, encouragement or that extra push to keep going, then it is worth sharing!!

AND what better way to give back than to use what I’ve been through to help someone else?
Every donation, no matter how big or small, can make a difference. If you’re able to donate, I would be incredibly grateful! Your support will help me give back to the community that helped me find my way forward, while supporting other people and families facing their own stroke journey! 🫶🏼❤️

So far I have helped Stroke Foundation deliver…

Initial advice and support from a health professional on StrokeLine

A stroke recovery pack to three survivors of stroke

Training to a StrokeSafe volunteer to deliver community talks.

Funding to stroke researchers to find the next game-changer in stroke.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$290

Maddison O’connell

You got this girl 🫶🏼

$215

Anonymous

Good luck Mel.x

$130.44

Andy Ghinis

$117.43

Danni Bellamy

You are an inspiration to us all Mel.

$117.43

Kane

$114.79

Anonymous

$106.75

Corey

$106.75

Brittany Formato

Your ability to just keep moving forward every single day is an inspiration. You should be so proud of who you are and the attitude you show up with.

$106.75

Kate Souts

So so proud of you

$106.75

Emily Norman

$100

Jason Williams

Keep up the amazing work

$65.65

Luke Matthews

Wish you the best, from a old friend

$61.36

Steph

Such a crazy story! So glad you have come through it 🥰

$61.36

Anonymous

$61.36

Kathy Cvitan

You got this Melissah stay strong

$61.36

Karen Clarke

Love and Hugs Always ❤️

$61.36

Jess Hunter

$55.95

Tamika Cooke

Love you ♥️🫶🏻

$55.95

Prakriti

$55.95

Jordi

$55.95

Kirsty And Ben Walsh

Omg I am so shocked to hear this. Keep strong beautiful girl xxx

$55.95

Sn

Keep kicking goals, you’re amazing! 💖

$55

Naomi

$50

Katrina Hodzic

I'm so proud of you baby girl, you've come so far, have worked so hard & an inspiration to us all. I love you to infinity 💜💜

$50

Kaleb Smith

$50

Anonymous

So impressed with how you have tackled this challenge both physically and mentally.. You should be freaking proud of yourself!

$34.40

Taylor Proko

$34.40

Brittany Forshaw

Go Mel ⭐️ your strength is incredible ❤️

$34.40

Kayla

$30.16

Selby

❤️

$28.81

Marcello Romeo

Hope for a speedy recovery.

$28.81

Michelle Colton

Love you Family xoxo

$26.86

Katie Jones

$23.81

Adele

Love you

$23.81

Zoe Kosmina

🤍

$23.81

Lauren Boffa

Get it girl 💪🏼 What a strong lady you are. So sorry to hear this happened to you!

$23.81

Anonymous

You’re incredible

$23.81

Jo Beasley

$23.81

Jake Morrow

$23.81

Chrysten Kirchmann

You are truly incredible!!

$23.81

Paige Banning

$20

Te-arka

So proud of you 🩷

$20

Mads

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