A lifelong blood donor, Richal Bastiaans shares her powerful journey from blood donor to blood recipient after a pregnancy complication, highlighting how blood donation saves lives.
Richal Bastiaans had been a blood donor for many years and never imagined that she would one day be on the receiving end of a blood transfusion. In 2017, while pregnant with her second child, Richal faced a frightening complication when she developed placenta previa, a condition where the placenta partially or completely blocks the cervix during the later stages of pregnancy and can cause severe bleeding.
As a result, Richal gave birth 5 weeks early on 22 August 2017. During her cesarean section, her body went into shock, and as soon as she came out of anesthesia, she required three units of blood.
Thankfully, her baby girl, Shelby Skye, was born healthy, weighing 3.1 kgs, and today she is a busy 9- year-old enjoying life with family and friends.
Richal began donating blood at age 17 while attending Westcliff High School. After finishing school, she continued donating in Bellville and later in Brackenfell and to date has donated more than 31 units of blood. Although she struggles with low iron levels, she remains determined and was thrilled to recently qualify to donate again after a year.
Richal is deeply grateful to the blood donors who were there when she needed them most. Because of their selfless generosity, she recovered and continued moving forward in her life.
Richal’s story is a reminder that anyone can one day need the same help they so generously give. Her journey from lifelong donor to grateful recipient highlights the impact blood donations can make when it matters most.
