Melanie’s story is a tribute to her strength, her family’s love, and the dedication of the team at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH). A young medical student, Melanie was driving home from visiting friends when a sudden tyre blowout caused a high-speed collision, changing her life in an instant.
After being cut out of her car by paramedics, Melanie was airlifted directly to the RMH, arriving in critical condition. Our trauma team was ready, stabilising her collapsed lungs, broken ribs, and shattered legs.
“If this story is about anything, it’s about speed,” says Orthopaedic Surgeon, Tom Treseder. “We’re here to minimise the impact of tragedies like this.”
After six weeks of intensive care and complex surgeries, Melanie is now home, learning to walk again.
“We’re so grateful. The team at the RMH literally gave us our daughter back.” – Russ, Melanie’s father
Your generosity empowers the RMH to remain a leader in trauma and complex care, both in Australia and worldwide. It’s your support that makes this level of lifesaving, compassionate care possible, giving Melanie—and so many others—a hopeful path to recovery.
People like you play a pivotal role in ensuring our expert trauma teams are standing ready with everything they need to provide world-class care when patients like Melanie need us most.