Payden Cantalupo

Upon returning to basketball practice over the holiday break, Payden Cantalupo was enjoying his time on the basketball court with his teammates and friends. Being named Captain of the Varsity Basketball Team for his Senior season, Payden was having a great year. He spent countless hours improving his basketball skills in the offseason and was prepared for a successful Senior season for his team and for himself.

After having a great practice on December 29th, Payden went home and his life was forever changed. His family thought he was having a seizure, but it turned out he was experiencing a stroke at home, his family called 911 and were able to get an ambulance to him for immediate aid and transported to Bozeman Hospital. While in Bozeman, they evaluated blood tests, MRI’s, and other tests. Medical professionals decided it was best for Payden to undergo immediate testing in Billings. That night, December 29th, Payden was loaded into a helicopter with a pilot and two nurses and airlifted to Billings. After another ambulance ride, he was admitted to St. Vincent Hospital (Billings Clinic).

On Friday, December 30th, Payden spent the day getting tests, more blood work evaluated, and additional MRI’s. While waiting in the ICU, he texted me to see how practice was going. Even though he was in a serious medical situation, he was checking on his teammates. The medical team assessed Payden as experiencing a minor stroke while finding a mass on his heart. They put Payden on the schedule for open heart surgery the next morning.

On Saturday, December 31st, Payden underwent open heart surgery to begin the New Year. They told him, at the age of 18, he was one of the youngest patients they have performed open heart surgery on. Thankfully, surgery went great, and he was admitted to the ICU.

Sunday and Monday, teammates, coaches, family, and friends visited Payden at the hospital. He was in good spirits but was bummed about not being part of the basketball team. He apologized to me for being in this situation, as if he was letting his teammates down. As his head coach, I told him he was our Captain, and he would still be part of the team when he returned home. Payden is a coach’s dream! I never had to tell Payden to play with more intensity; he always played at a very high level every second in practice and games. I never had to tell Payden to be more competitive. He is a relentless rebounder and defender regardless of size or situation. I never had to tell Payden to improve his attitude; he is a positive leader and an excellent teammate. He inspires trust and respect and is not abrasive or arrogant.

On Wednesday, January 4th, Payden was released from the hospital and allowed to return home. He is being cared for by his family and friends. He isn’t allowed to drive, lift things, and Payden explained that walking is like running a marathon. His rehabilitation will be challenging, and there are consequences of having three strokes. Much like cross country and basketball, sacrifice, dedication and commitment defines Payden, and he will continue his rehabilitation with the same approach. Payden is a great young man! Please consider providing some financial support to alleviate his extensive medical bills. Thank you!

Photo Credit: Dan Chestnut