American Red Cross Honors Hilton Grand Vacations Orlando Team Member with National Lifesaving Award

Ivan Melians says he’s "just a human who helped another human"

Vacationeer alt01f
The Vacationeer
Hilton Grand Vacations Orlando Team Member being interview by News 6 in Orlando after being honored for saving Owners life.

Summary: Read this feel-good story about the Hilton Grand Vacations Orlando Team Member who saved an Owner’s life and was honored by the American Red Cross.

Five months ago, William and Fatima Barakat were on vacation at Las Palmeras, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Orlando, when William suffered a heart attack in his room.

Thanks to the quick thinking and 11 minutes of chest compressions performed by loss prevention director Ivan Melians, William made a full recovery.

On January 29, Melians was formally recognized by the American Red Cross and awarded the National Lifesaving Award.

Read the full story here.

Orlando Hotel Worker Honored for Saving Man’s Life

News 6, January 29, 2021

About the Author The Vacationeer
Vacationeer alt01f

The Vacationeer is a collective of Hilton Grand Vacations storytellers whose goal is to inspire travelers to go further. We're always on the lookout for new destinations to explore, useful travel tips, and unique ideas to help you plan the most memorable vacations possible.

Follow Us:

More Articles

Slide 1 of 0

Sporting Events - Ultimate Access Calendars

Formula 1 Las Vegas – The Ultimate Motorsport Experience

03/03/2026Rashid F

Beyond The Strip: Exciting Outdoor Adventures Near Las Vegas

02/24/2026Cherise S

Member Stories

Spring Break, Island Style — How We Made Memories (And Saved Money) On Captiva Island

02/20/2026Amber W

Cities

A Visitor’s Guide To New York City’s Subway System

02/20/2026Corrina L

Hawaii

Family Fun And VIP Perks In The Heart Of Hilton Hawaiian Village

02/10/2026Jessica M

Things to Do

How My HGV Experience Took Flight At Lake Tahoe

02/06/2026Ana E

How My HGV Experience Took Flight At Lake Tahoe

02/06/2026Ana E

Family

Time To Unwind: Exciting Fall Getaways For Back-To-School Season

02/04/2026Kim R

Cities

A Silver Anniversary Surprise: Celebrating In The Heart Of Chicago

02/02/2026Derek M

Dream Destinations, Real-Life Adventures

01/29/2026Mariebeth M

Vacation Inspiration Delivered

Sign up to get our latest news, special offers, travel tips and more sent right to your inbox.

All fields are required.

 

By checking this box and typing your name herein, you agree that the above contact information is correct and authorize by electronic signature, Hilton Grand Vacations and its Family of Companies (collectively “HGV”) to contact me for any purpose including account and promotional offers at the email address and telephone number provided. I hereby expressly consent to receive communications that may include autodialed calls, texts and prerecorded messages. I understand that I am waiving my rights under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, the telemarketing sales rule as well as similar state laws along with and federal and state do not call laws. I further understand that I am not required to provide consent as a condition to purchase any goods or services and that consent may be withdrawn at any time. Messaging and data charges may apply. For information about how Hilton Grand Vacations, processes and shares your information, please visit https://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/en/legal/privacy-notice.