On November 19, healthcare worker Mel Leffler of Sydney died while she was in her sleep.
She had just tested positive for COVID-19. Although her cause of death is not known, her brother Kris Leffler said it could be related to her heart.
Although COVID-19 does not necessarily cause death, it does not rule out the possibility that the illness could affect the heart.
According to Garry Jennings, a medical professor at the University of Sydney, the SARS-CoV-2 virus can cause inflammation in the heart. This can lead to myocarditis and pericarditis.
The inflammation can also lead to blood clotting, which can block a vital artery or cause a stroke or heart attack.
In The Conversation, Jennings noted that COVID-19 can cause heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, and blood clots in the lungs and legs.
Since Mel passed away, her family has been trying to raise awareness about her story, instead of just the number of people who have died due to the virus.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 13,000 people have died due to COVID-19 since the pandemic started.
According to Leffler, Mel was a strong-willed woman who was dedicated to her work. She also worked as a genetic counselor.
She was inspired to pursue medical science after she was diagnosed with a rare kidney cancer. The cancer, which is known as Wilms’ tumour, affects children.
Mel was only 12 months old when she was diagnosed with the cancer. She underwent 18 months of chemotherapy and was able to fully recover by seven years old.
She always wanted to start a family, but she was afraid that her illness could affect her reproductive system.
She took time off from her work schedule to try and get pregnant. Leffler said he will never forget the day she announced her pregnancy.
During a restaurant on Father’s Day, Mel surprised her husband by announcing that she was pregnant.
She said that Mick would be celebrating his first Father’s Day as a dad next year.
In her typical Mel style, she organized an engagement party in the following year. It turned into a surprise wedding.
She leaves behind her husband Mick, who takes care of their two daughters, Ottilie, 9, and Clementine, 4. Mel was the embodiment of both traditional and non-traditional beliefs.