A Border woman who was inspired to become a physiotherapist after watching her beloved Pa bounce back from stroke is preparing to run her fourth half marathon this year.
John Martello experienced a life changing stroke when he was 64 years old. A high school student at the time, granddaughter, Shae Martello, remembers visiting her Pa at rehab during his two-year recovery journey.
“Pa was still having a run around with the boys at footy training a few nights a week when his stroke struck. Suddenly his life was turned upside down, he no longer had use of the whole left side of his body and was told he would never walk or be independent again,” Shae said.
“I would watch his physio sessions and to see how far he could come was incredible. I knew then I wanted to work with survivors of stroke like Pa and help them find their new normal.”
Shae has since been in the job for a decade and regularly tells her own patients about how far her Pa has come.
“If it wasn’t for his amazing team of physios he would probably still be in care. He doesn’t have use of his left arm, but he can walk over a kilometre by himself, because he persisted during his rehab stay. I am so proud of him.”
Next month Shae will participate in Run Melbourne in support of her Pa and other survivors of stroke. With just over two weeks to go, she’s well on her way to her $3,000 fundraising journey.
“I’m really honored to be running for Stroke Foundation and hope Pa will be able to come down and cheer me on,” she said.
“Hopefully through fundraising we can make some changes and ensure every survivor of stroke receives the same level of post-stroke care as Pa did.”
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy will also be lacing up her running shoes and participating in the half marathon event.
“I’m thrilled to be running alongside Shae. She is a fierce advocate for Stroke Foundation and has seen firsthand the devastation stroke can cause to a family,” Dr Murphy said.
“Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers. It kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer. Every cent we can raise will make a difference to survivors of stroke and their families.”
