Get well, Mela!
On July 11, 2023, LGBTQIA+ advocate Mela Habijan penned a poignant birthday message via Twitter that conveyed her profound gratitude for reaching this milestone in light of the medical issue she is facing.
In her tweet, she opened up about living day to day with a rheumatic heart, a systemic immune condition that occurs as a complication of rheumatic fever caused by a throat infection.
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Mela revealed, "Back then, I was bed-ridden, suffering from extreme joint pains.
"While I could hardly move, singing to Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On comforted me.
"Knowing that I could die anytime motivated me to believe and live each day. A future that was uncertain has driven my heart to try and be a go-getter.
"To reach my 36th is a feat and today, my heart is still beating and going.
"Alive."
Once more, she underlined her gratitude for the love and support she received throughout this period.
She expressed, "While there have been challenges and pressures — as painful as those joint pains — I am strengthened and sustained by the love coming from the Almighty and all the people who value me."
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This network of love and compassion has provided her with the strength to overcome this battle and emerge as a beacon of hope for others.
Mela's message went beyond her own personal triumphs as she wished others to live each day to the fullest:
"Hopefully, I could reach 70/75. But knowing that I could die anytime, I will live each day to make everyone feel good about living.
"I would use my time to make good, valuable memories — in warmth, kindness, compassion, hope, and love.
"As I live towards Chapter 37, I pray for everyone’s best health. For our hearts to go on — towards dreams and our purpose, for the people who matter to us, to live an impactful life without regrets.
"IT’S MY SPECIAL DAY, BUT MAY 711 BE YOUR DAY TOO!"
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