Made With Melanie - A Feature Documentary by Robert Ham

The video opens with the tragic news of YouTube star Melanie Hamm's death on August 17, 2020. Melanie, known for her crochet, quilting, and DIY videos, had nearly 1 million subscribers. Her husband Robert shares heartfelt messages of support received from friends and family, and the video reflects on Melanie's determination to share her story to help others. It also includes snippets from Melanie's past videos, showcasing her passion for crafting and her connection with her audience.

Melanie's husband Robert narrates the story of her health challenges, including a benign tumor that was discovered and removed from her kidney in 2018. The family received reassurance when the tumor was found to be non-cancerous. However, in 2020, the tumor returned aggressively. Despite the hardships, Melanie remained positive, and the couple continued their work with Hammer Productions, their production company. The video also highlights their philanthropic efforts, including supporting single mothers through sewing initiatives.

Melanie and Robert's life together is explored, including their work with Hammer Productions and their philanthropic efforts. They visited sewing groups, supported troops, and engaged in charity work. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a surge in interest for Melanie's content as people stayed home and sought creative hobbies. Despite the challenges, Melanie's business thrived, and she continued to create content for her audience.

The video delves into the recurrence of Melanie's cancer, which was initially benign but returned as a more aggressive form. Despite the grim diagnosis, Melanie's strength and determination to fight the disease are highlighted. She underwent major surgery and was grateful for the support she received from her community. The video captures the emotional journey as Melanie and her family navigate through the complexities of her illness.

Melanie reflects on her upbringing in Arizona and Los Angeles, her athletic background, and her journey through college where she graduated with an art degree. The video provides a glimpse into her early life, her relationship with Robert, and their decision to get married. It also touches upon the challenges they faced and the joy they found in their life together.

The narrative continues with Melanie and Robert's married life, including their time in Alaska where they had their first child, Elijah. The video describes the support they received from each other during Robert's military deployment and how they coped with the challenges of military life. It also highlights Melanie's discovery of her passion for sewing and quilting during this period.

Melanie's journey as a mother and her growing obsession with quilting are detailed. She started an Etsy shop selling her crafts and began teaching quilting at a local fabric shop in Honolulu. The video captures the joy she found in her creative endeavors and her ability to balance family life with her passion for crafting.

The video discusses the family's move from Hawaii to Los Angeles as Robert was accepted into USC's film program. This transition allowed Melanie to invest more time in growing her business. She reflects on the growth of her YouTube channel and the shift in mindset from hobby to business. The video also highlights the support and love from her community.

Melanie and her family's decision to buy a new home is featured, showcasing their vision for the house and their excitement for this new chapter. The video also discusses Melanie's ongoing health challenges and her decision to undergo another surgery. It captures the family's resilience and their determination to take one day at a time.

The video provides an intimate look at Melanie's battle with cancer, the impact on her family, and the emotional toll of her illness. It discusses the family's decision to share their journey, the support from friends, and the difficult conversations they had to have with their children. The video is a poignant portrayal of love, strength, and the reality of living with a terminal illness.

The narrative reaches its most emotional point as Melanie's condition deteriorates and the family makes the difficult decision to transition to hospice care. The video captures the family's final moments together, their expressions of love, and the profound sense of loss they experience. It serves as a tribute to Melanie's life and her impact on her family and community.

The video concludes with a memorial service honoring Melanie's life, her contributions to her family and the crafting community, and the deep love that defined her relationship with Robert. It reflects on the power of love and the enduring legacy Melanie leaves behind. The video is a heartfelt goodbye and a tribute to a life well-lived.