Tayla Thorpe, a young expectant mother, was eager to welcome her first child into the world, a moment usually filled with joy and excitement. However, when Tayla went to the hospital on 31 August, what began as a normal delivery unexpectedly turned into a medical emergency. Shortly after giving birth, Tayla experienced a massive postpartum haemorrhage and was rushed to surgery.
What followed was a four-hour procedure during which doctors fought to save her life. The haemorrhage caused significant blood loss. During surgery, she received 13 units of red blood cells, without which Tayla might not be here today.
“Thank you for making a difference. Without individuals like you, my wife wouldn’t be here today,” says Richard Thorpe, Tayla’s husband. “Please donate blood to help more families like ours.”
Tayla, a blood donor herself, began donating blood in high school when the Western Cape Blood Service held clinics at Westerford High. She continued to donate after she left school and moved to the Eastern Cape to do her community service year as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist. She now works as a paediatric OT in Cape Town at the Centre for Play and Learning.
Tayla’s family and friends are so thankful that they could celebrate her 31st birthday with her on 23 September. Her twin sister Kelly is extremely grateful to all the blood donors who saved her life. “Because of those blood donors, I still have my best friend by my side. Please consider donating blood. You may never know whose life you save, but to their family it means everything.”
After spending 3 days in the ICU and an additional 4 days in the hospital, Tayla is recovering well at home. Due to birth complications baby Archer faces profound medical challenges. His parents are caring for him with the support and guidance of Paedspal, a paediatric palliative care team who have been incredible as they navigate this unfathomable and uncharted path.
Their family and friends remain dedicated to supporting Tayla, Richard and baby Archer as they continue to heal. Their journey has been marked by resilience and love. Tayla hopes that by sharing her story, she will encourage many more people to become blood donors. Every unit donated is a lifeline and you have the power to be that lifeline for someone else.
