Back in 2013, Melissa Dohme shared a chilling tale of her ex-boyfriend’s brutal stabbing to spread awareness for dating violence. But what she didn’t know is that years later, her story would end with a twist of fate that would bring her redemptive story full circle in a way she NEVER could’ve imagined.
“I am a survivor of extreme domestic violence. My name is Melissa Dohme and I am 21 years old. On January 24th, 2012 I was attacked and stabbed 32 times by an abusive ex boyfriend I had broken up with 3 months prior. 19 stabs were in my head, neck, and face….the rest were defensive stabs on my hands and arms. Two teens heard me screaming and intervened the stabbing and called 911. I owe my life to them…17 & 18 year old angels.
My ex left me for dead in the road and attempted suicide. We were both saved that night though. When first responders arrived I was still alert enough to identify myself and him, despite hemorrhaging severely from cut arteries in my neck. I was airlifted to Bayfront Medical Center where Dr. Johnson and his team saved my life. I flatlined 4 times in the ER, received 12 units of blood, suffered a stroke in my cerebellum, had a fractured skull and nose, missing two teeth, right facial paralysis, stabbed larynx, and was severely beaten.
It’s a miracle I am still alive today…even the doctors say so. I know God saved me, He couldn’t stop what happened but He did perfectly line up each indivdual after the attack who had a hand in saving me.. I believe I was saved to tell my story. To be to voice to those who are too afraid to speak or no longer have the chance because their abuser succeeded in taking their life.
Melissa Dohme Hill: Sur-Thriver
I stand strong against domestic violence and teen dating violence because I know what it’s like to be afraid. I know what it’s like to feel alone….and if you’re feeling that way now, let me tell ya…you are NOT ALONE. There is help, and you deserve to be treated right!
Now, well over a year later I have come so far in my recovery. I’ve met amazing people, connected with fellow survivors, grown in my faith, traveled, graduated with my AA degree, spoken to thousands, moved out in my own apartment, forgiven, accepted, and most importantly moved on. I am now happily dating an amazing guy, Cameron.
Who knew my story quite well, considering he was there as a firefighter-EMT responding that night. My very own hero, my very own fairy tale. I can now put this all the bad behind me and create my own future as an advocate. My ex is now serving a life sentence with no chance of parole.”
But her story doesn’t end there.
On May 11, 2015, at the Tampa Bay Rays baseball game, Melissa was all ready to head out on the field to throw the first pitch with Cameron, the EMT who had saved her life.
However, Cameron had more than baseball on his mind when he walked on the field.
Melissa Dohme Hill: Sur-Thriver
Her boyfriend of two and a half years bent down on one knee and presented Melissa with a ball that read “Will you marry me?”…along with a gleaming diamond that put that dusty baseball diamond they were standing on to shame.
Melissa Dohme Hill: Sur-Thriver
Of course, Melissa said “YES”!!
Melissa Dohme Hill: Sur-Thriver
AND, she still managed to whip out that first pitch like a pro to boot.
Melissa Dohme Hill: Sur-Thriver
Melissa was absolutely beside herself that what started as the greatest tragedy of her life ended as the greatest love story she could have asked for.
And just this month, the survivor finally got to see that come to fruition on her fairy tale of a wedding day!
On March 4, 2017, Melissa and Cameron tied the knot on The Lange Farm in Dade City, Florida.
Facebook/Melissa Dohme Hill
Surrounded by family, friends and many of the first responders who worked relentlessly to save her on that fateful day in 2012, Melissa could finally see in vivid living color that what was intended for evil, God intended for good.
Understanding the purpose behind our pain is a rare and savory-sweet revelation that few get to witness in this lifetime, and Melissa couldn’t be more grateful to be shown a glimpse of His grand plan.
Facebook/Melissa Dohme Hill
“I would never want to go through the horrific attack again, but with where I am today, I wouldn’t change it,” she told CNN. “I would have never met Cameron, so I believe it was fate that brought us together.”
Facebook/Melissa Dohme Hill
This beautiful bride wasn’t supposed to live, but she did.
Doctors said she wouldn’t walk again, but three weeks later, she walked out of the hospital.
Specialists said she’d never be able to smile again, but now she’s smiling ear-to-ear every day.
Her ex-boyfriend tried to kill her, but it led her to the man that not only saved her life, but also gave her hope for a glorious future.
Five years later, the legs that were never supposed to walk again took her down the aisle to her knight in shining armor.
It’s amazing how God can turn our worst nightmares into our wildest, most romantic dreams. Wishing these two a happy and blessed future together!
If this miraculous chain of events inspired you too, SHARE this amazing story of God’s redeeming grace with your friends. ❤️
Kelsey is an editor at Outreach. She’s passionate about fear fighting, freedom writing, and the pursuit of excellence in the name of crucifying perfectionism. Glitter is her favorite color, 2nd only to pink, and 3rd only to pink glitter.