Melvin is a typical 12-year-old boy from Maningrida community. Also known as Manayingkarírra and Manawukan, Maningrida is an Aboriginal community in the heart of the Arnhem Land region of Australia's Northern Territory, 500 km east of Darwin.
Starlight works alongside healthcare partners to provide health checks with a side of Captain Starlight fun! That’s where we first met Melvin.
When Melvin was facing scary ongoing injections, Captain Starlight was there to make treatment fun and less stressful.
Watch Melvin’s story below, we know it will make you smile too!
Melvin has a wonderful family and loves going out with his friends, riding his bike and playing football. But when Melvin first visited the health clinic at his school when he was 9 years old, doctors discovered he had borderline Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD).
Melvin’s condition means infections like skin sores or sore throats lead to lifelong damage to his heart. His treatment requires regular injections that can be scary for a child. But it’s critical that Melvin continues to visit so he can stay healthy and continue to enjoy the things he loves to do.
Captain Starlight works with healthcare professionals and community leaders to help kids like Melvin understand what is happening inside their body and what doctors might do to help them. Captain Starlight provides positive distraction when it’s needed most, with fun, games and even silly hats!
Melvin’s doctor, Paediatric Cardiologist Ari Horton says, “the Starlight Captains are absolutely vital to the way that we care for the community.” Using storytelling, fun and play to connect with Melvin before he sees the doctor, Captain Starlight takes the fear and stress out of Melvin’s appointments. “Talking with the Captains means that Melvin comes into the clinic happy, comfortable, safe and ready to engage with the doctors,” Dr Horton said.
Turning up for his treatment will lead to better health outcomes for Melvin. Thanks to the work of local healthcare teams and Captain Starlight, Melvin is visiting the clinic for the vital care he needs.
“He’s had that first positive experience, which will mean he’ll continue to engage with healthcare for the next ten years of his care.” - Dr Ari Horton
Now Melvin will be using his healthy strong heart to do the things he loves with Captain Starlight for years to come!