The remarkable instincts and proactive responses of two heroic women in Melbourne have played a pivotal role in preserving the life of community treasure, Stefanie Paladino (43), who suffered an asymptomatic heart attack this past Sunday afternoon, on 20th August, shortly after coaching the North Melbourne Athletics FC – Trojans, A local women’s football team that Stef has coached into a family since 2017.
Ambulance and hospital staff from the Austin Hospital in Heidelberg, Melbourne, who responded swiftly, have also garnered praise and adoration throughout the entire state for being “exceptional in their level of care,” as they opened the floodgates for each passing moment to unfurl with an even deeper well of affection and appreciation amongst loved ones, underscoring the profound connection that binds us all together.
The afternoon was sunny, and spirits were high. The Trojan’s home ground at the Flemington Road oval was rife with belly laughs, singing and cheer as is typical for each gathering; as it came time to wave goodbye to the young athletes, Stef rose from her seat with a pain she described as feeling like a sharp pain in the back of her left shoulder blade.
‘It felt like a pinched nerve.” – she laughs, still in disbelief.
Suellen Drebing, a dear friend and netball champion, was the first to raise concerns about the possibility of heart attack symptoms, which were prompted after she spent time massaging the area that only appeared to be intensifying down into Stef’s arm.
Suellen recollects the experience with eyes that brimmed with a potent blend of astonishment and heartfelt gratitude. “If she had said sore back or sore shoulder, you generally think it could have been poor posture or a pinched nerve. It was when she mentioned it was going all the way into her arm that I recognised that it was heart attack symptoms!”
Stef, shaking her head, “I basically dismissed the heart attack suggestion as it didn’t seem that serious at the time. The pain wasn’t that bad to begin with!”
Despite feeling in otherwise impeccable health, Stef dismissed it as a bothersome nerve and carried on her journey homeward. As she arrived home approximately half an hour later, the pain had transformed, engulfing her entire left arm and leaving her fingers tingling and numb.
Craving a humble neurophen as the pain escalated, she winced to her inamorata Miranda Malaniuk, “I explained my pain (much higher levels at this point) and the fact that I didn’t feel right. I could feel like something wasn’t right.”
Miri (Miranda) then wasted no time in calling an ambulance with admirably composed certainty that she was witnessing the beginning of a heart attack.
The Ambulance arrived within minutes to rush the pair to Austin Hospital, where high levels of the enzyme Troponin were discovered in Stef’s blood. This enzyme is only present in our blood in case of heart damage such as a heart attack. She had a vital artery drained and fitted with a stent, which narrowed the chances of that artery re-narrowing again by 90%.
How is a stent fitted?👇
According to the British Heart Foundation, a long hollow tube (catheter) is inserted from the wrist or the groin and guided (using X-rays) all the way to the narrowed artery. A very fine wire is fed through the catheter and into the narrowing. Over that wire, a balloon is inserted with a ‘squashed-down’ stent on it.
Once the cardiologist is happy that it is in the right position, the balloon is inflated, widening the narrowed part of the artery and expanding the stent to fit the artery wall. Then, the catheter, balloon and wire are removed, leaving the stent in place. The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes.
Stef continues, “Seeing as I’m a bit of a turtle in life, it wasn’t surprising that I was having the worlds slowest heart attack.” Her laughter carries warmth. Infectious and imbued with a unique charm that envelops those around her, fostering an atmosphere of comfort, security, and tranquillity, even in the most trying moments of profound stress. “I do always try to see the funny or lighter side of things whenever possible. I do tend to resort to humour, especially to ease friends and families worries.”
In a display of true humility that is quintessentially Stef, she also managed to alleviate her own concerns and not wanting to inconvenience the hospital or occupy a space that would potentially be more vital for someone else in need, she remembers,
“The first night I wanted to go home but couldn’t. We were waiting in emergency for results of tests, scans etc. Around 11:30 p.m. the doctor said my heart wasn’t good and I’d need an angiogram the following morning. I asked if I could go home and come back for it in the morning. She sternly told me that wasn’t possible as I was in the middle of a heart attack 😅 it kinda sunk in then hahaha.”
“Seeing as I’m a bit of a turtle in life, it wasn’t surprising that I was having the worlds slowest heart attack.” Her laughter carries warmth. Infectious and imbued with a unique charm that envelops those around her, fostering an atmosphere of comfort, security, and tranquillity, even in the most trying moments of profound stress. “I do always try to see the funny or lighter side of things whenever possible. I do tend to resort to humour, especially to ease friends and families worries.”
In a display of true humility that is quintessentially Stef, she also managed to alleviate her own concerns and not wanting to inconvenience the hospital or occupy a space that would potentially be more vital for someone else in need, she remembers,
“The first night I wanted to go home but couldn’t. We were waiting in emergency for results of tests, scans etc. Around 11:30 p.m. the doctor said my heart wasn’t good and I’d need an angiogram the following morning. I asked if I could go home and come back for it in the morning. She sternly told me that wasn’t possible as I was in the middle of a heart attack 😅 it kinda sunk in then hahaha.”
But in the seriousness of the situation, Stef continues with a call for people to take note of her experience and be aware of all the symptoms. Attention to what could be the difference between life and death.
“The difference between male and female symptoms was something I had no idea about before this happened. I would never have thought that a sore shoulder would be a symptom of a heart attack. I had no shortness of breath or pain in my chest at all. One of the nurses actually said something along the lines of, it’s not always how they show it in the movies, tv etc.”
We’d love huge recognition and thanks to be directed towards the paramedics on call and all of the phenomenal staff who worked in the cardio Ward 5 on Sunday, 20th August, at the Austin Hospital. Notably, Emerson, who worked the overnight shift, and Olivia, who was a day nurse on the ward, who made her time in recovery feel lighter around the dreaming haze of morphine.
Men and women often experience different symptoms in this situation. This is often thought that’s because ‘Women have heart attacks more often caused by small, rather than large, heart arteries. These types of blockages tend to cause symptoms that are less obvious than chest pain.’ Said Harlem Cardiology.
Where women are more likely to show atypical symptoms such as;
- Unusual fatigue lasting for several days leading up to the event
- Lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Indigestion
- Upper back, shoulder, arm or throat and jaw pain.
Men are more likely to experience rather intense symptoms such as;
- Chest pain/tightening that feels like an “elephant” sitting on your chest.
- A squeezing sensation that comes and goes or remains constant
- Upper body pain in the arms, left shoulder, back, neck, jaw or stomach
- Rapid heartbeats
- Indigestion
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Cold sweat
Stef and Miranda, who initially met on the football field, are a couple that wear their hearts around your shoulders. Their authenticity and wisdom gently councils lives to remain on the path of dignified humanity, encouraging strength and peace within every move. They are extraordinary and deeply valued in the hearts of countless. Genuine, unfiltered, able to find joy and spread it. They have consistently been a beacon of support, extending selflessly to countless individuals in moments that matter the most. Their valiant love only magnified in the present light.
“Stef is and has been there for everyone us at anytime.. day/night, different time zone even.” Beams Jessica Pitchford, close friend, sponsor and top striker for the Trojans. “She gets us all through the tough times. She’s real, hilarious and very patient. She’s honestly always so fun to be around, always has a good story and always up for some fun.”
By day, Stef works in a children’s daycare centre and is adored by parents and children alike for her essence. Her coaching career began in 2007, carrying a trail of success from then until now. 2017 was the first year that the Trojans formed a women’s club, and it was a rocky start to their management. Most of the girls were new to the sport, and their coach had bailed during the early start to the season, leaving their survival as a club as a hanging question. Stef leant about the situation and jumped right in as a shining mould that was the one missing ingredient that no one knew that they needed up until that point, as both a friend and coach.
2018 and 2019 saw the girls rise through the league with exceptional development of skill and team weld. They won the championship trophy for both of these years and the latter, completely undefeated all season. They are humble and faithful team players in layers of life, never forgetting to champion the efforts of others, even in a sporting situation against an opponent.
The Trojan family has only grown in size, maturity and love since then. They say the team’s energy is fed through from the top, which is no surprise that each new player that bounces in is just as much of a gift in life as the last.
With a sparkle in her eyes and a smile to each ear, Stef exclaims, “It’s been the best experience of my coaching life so far. The team is a wonderful group of competitive and wholesome humans. I was saying recently that my favourite part of coaching at this point is hearing the girls getting ready, dancing/singing and going through their various routines pre-game. I love hearing their laughter the most.”
Her house this week has been littered with gifts and care packages from relieved loves, has said,
“The response from family and friends has been incredible. I have definitely felt the love and realised how much I’m valued and cared for by so many. I’m extremely grateful and consider myself lucky.
This experience has changed the way I think about my health and what needs to be done in order to stick around a little longer. It also educated me on what to look for in signs of having a heart attack; I always assumed it would just be a pain in my chest and/or shortness of breath. I had no idea that it presents differently for men and women. Interesting stuff.”
Just in time for the Trojans’ final game on 3rd September, to the delight of all, Stef will be there resisting the urge to coach and run up and down the line – one of the many jobs she often volunteers to do when no linesman is present to help officiate the game.
“Oh yes! I will be allowed to drive again on Sunday and will definitely be there watching the team. Most likely as a spectator this time though.”
While the World Cup may have reached its conclusion, the elated spirit it cast over women’s sports continues to flourish in the vibrant landscape of the land down under. Wrapping up their season, the Trojans will grace the field one last time at
JJ Holland Park in Kensington,
The more support around these talented athletes, the more joyous the occasion becomes. So, don’t forget your flask, and bring along your furry companions, for they are welcomed with an unlimited supply of open arms.
Join them in commemorating an event that transcends the boundaries of football —a celebration of existence, affection, and awakened gratitude for each cherished moment spent in the company of one another, sharing smiles that radiate boundlessly.
Thank you to Miranda and Suellen for noticing the signs that many would not. Your lessons are a lesson to us all for acting calmly and efficiently. Heart health is something we should all be talking about more when we are thinking about our daily lifestyle.
Scroll back up to find out from Australias Healthy Heart Foundation, how you can take measures to lessen the likelihood of having a heart attack. Be prepared by making yourself aware of the symptoms so that if you, or somebody around you, happen to go into a time of crisis, you can be prepared and composed to handle the situation as safely as possible, and potentially save a life, as did happen last weekend.
“The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.”
―
TTFN
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