TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning honored Melissa Mihok as the 32nd Lightning Community Hero this season during the first period of tonight’s game versus the Florida Panthers. Melissa, who received a $50,000 donation from the Lightning Foundation and the Lightning Community Heroes program, will donate the funds to Heels to Heal.

Melissa’s life changed forever after she was attacked one night at her place of employment. Her attackers were apprehended, but the tragedy was far from over as her life quickly became consumed by trauma and fear. Through her personal experience with the justice system and counseling, Melissa realized the need for additional resources for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence leading her to be the Founder of Heels to Heal.  Heels to Heal crisis counseling program ensures that those affected by sexual assault and domestic violence are provided with free crisis counseling to help process trauma regardless of age, income or insurance status.

Melissa shares her story with thousands of individuals at over two dozen community events each year. Heels to Heal collaborates with their community partner, St. Petersburg Police Department, which gives local law enforcement, detectives and domestic violence shelters a resource to connect victims with Heels to Heal’s Licensed Mental Health Counselors that are specialized in helping abuse survivors process trauma. To date, this partnership has facilitated counseling for approximately 200 survivors.

-BE THE THUNDER-