An Uncertain Start

When we think about health, it’s often easy to focus on the here and now—but for me, the journey was anything but straightforward. My challenges began the day I was born.

I was diagnosed with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), a condition that made every moment of my early life uncertain. Doctors told my mother that if I survived my first six months, I would have a chance at life. That early struggle became a defining part of who I am. It was a quiet but powerful reminder of how fragile and precious life can be.

Against the odds, I survived—and that resilience has carried me through every stage of my life. But the journey didn’t get easier.

The Early Struggles

At just 11 years old, I had my first tooth extracted. Dental hygiene wasn’t something I was taught, and it showed. By 16, I was diagnosed with hereditary high blood pressure. I wasn’t overweight, but healthcare professionals advised me to be cautious and avoid overtraining. These weren’t challenges most teenagers face, and I often felt overwhelmed.

Adding to the complexity, I lived in foster care for four years. As the eldest of eight siblings, responsibility was something I knew all too well. Life wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience and the importance of pushing forward, even when things felt impossible.

Falling and Rising: A Struggle with Addiction

From the age of 17 to 20, I fell into unhealthy habits that further complicated my health. I drank heavily every weekend, often for two days straight, and smoked up to two packets of cigarettes a day. At 19, I became a father to a beautiful child with my now wife of 23 years.

It was a wake-up call, but change didn’t come overnight. My wife worked tirelessly to support our family while I struggled to find my way. Everything changed one morning when, after a particularly unhealthy weekend, I woke up with my heart racing uncontrollably. I genuinely thought I might not survive. An ambulance arrived, and the paramedics calmed my heart with beta blockers. That moment became a turning point.

I told my sister, “I’m quitting smoking and drinking for good.” And I did.

Rebuilding from the Ground Up

Quitting wasn’t easy—it never is. I isolated myself for three months, breaking the cycle of addiction while my wife held our family together. I began rebuilding my life with small but determined steps.

Healthy eating became my obsession. I started adding fruits and vegetables to every meal and even ate a kilogram of apples daily—yes, it sounds extreme, but I was determined to live. Over time, these changes improved my health, both physically and mentally.

What I didn’t realise at the time was how close I’d come to losing my wife. She later told me she had considered leaving if I hadn’t turned my life around. That knowledge strengthened my resolve to become the best version of myself—not just for me, but for my family.

A New Chapter of Growth

Transforming my health came with sacrifices. I lost old friends who didn’t understand my new lifestyle, but I found joy in new routines. I joined a gym, discovered the satisfaction of staying active, and found purpose in hard work.

During the summer months, I spent weeks chopping and carrying tonnes of firewood to prepare for the harsh winters in our small house. Even on freezing February nights, my wife and I would wake up to top up the fire and keep our family warm. Those winters were cold, but they taught me resilience and the value of perseverance.

The Birth of Veggie and Fruit Friends

These years of struggle and triumph inspired me to create something meaningful—not just for myself but for others. I wanted to make it easier for children to embrace healthy habits while bringing joy and positivity into their lives.

One day, while running on a treadmill at the gym, I glanced outside and saw a fruit and vegetable van pass by. Suddenly, an idea clicked. I imagined a vibrant, lovable character inspired by fruits and vegetables. As soon as I got home, I sketched the first design. It wasn’t perfect—I’m no artist—but the vision was clear. My wife laughed when she saw the drawing, but she supported the heart behind it.

What many don’t know is that I had been preparing for this moment for months. I had spent six months writing ideas in a journal every single day, inspired by Earl Nightingale’s “We Become What We Think About.” His words taught me to focus on my goals with clarity and intention. That preparation gave me the confidence to bring my vision to life.

And so, Miss Cutesy Meluna and Mr Cutesy Myllo were born.

These plush toys, paired with an engaging educational colouring book, became companions for children on their journey to better health. Through play and imagination, we hope to inspire kids to:

• Enjoy eating fruits and vegetables
• Maintain a regular dental routine
• Choose water as a healthier option

Spreading Joy and Positivity

Miss Cutesy Meluna, the spirited Red-Haired Veggie and Fruit Girl, and Mr Cutesy Myllo, the cheerful Veggie and Fruit Boy, are here to make healthy living fun and accessible for children everywhere.

Our mission is simple: to empower the next generation to grow up strong, healthy, and happy. Through creativity and joy, we aim to turn everyday habits into opportunities for growth and well-being.

My Belief in Health

Today, at the age of 40, I’m proud of the life my family and I have created. I drink in moderation, often taking long breaks, and I’ve maintained a healthy balance in life. My journey taught me that health is the most precious gift we have, and I’m determined to pass that message on to as many people as possible.

I hope that Veggie and Fruit Friends will help children everywhere fall in love with good food, self-care, and staying active in ways that feel fun and pressure-free.

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Thank You

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Together, we can inspire healthier choices, brighter futures, and a world where every child has the tools to thrive.

With gratitude,
Anatolij (Ant)