A seemingly fit and healthy new mother has tragically died of a brain aneurysm just five months after giving birth. Kali Blundell, 32, was on maternity leave with her daughter, Ruby, and husband, Brandon, when the devastating incident occurred last month.
Ms Blundell was working out at a gym in North Sydney in mid-April when she suffered the unexpected medical episode. She spent a week in hospital before passing away. In one final heroic act, she donated her organs, helping five other patients.
Her friend, Sarah Porter, launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with medical and funeral expenses. Ms Blundell and her husband had been together since they were 15, having met in their hometown of Canberra.
Ms Porter said Ms Blundell's death had left a hole 'in the hearts of all who loved her'. 'Brandon and Ruby should have so many more years with Kali, and now face an incredibly heartbreaking new reality without her here,' she wrote.
Ms Blundell was remembered as 'ambitious and full of life'. 'Kali was incredibly smart, and someone you could turn to for advice. She worked incredibly hard and never shied away from a challenge,' Ms Porter wrote. 'Though she worked hard, she also played hard and brought so much joy in the world with her dance moves, love for music and her cheeky personality.'
Ms Porter said the world was 'a little less bright' without her friend. The fundraiser aims to support Brandon as he grieves and cares for Ruby, navigating life without his soulmate.
A brain aneurysm is a weakened spot in an artery in the brain where blood pools, causing it to balloon out, which can put pressure on tissues and nerves. If it ruptures, it is life-threatening. Pregnancy, especially the third trimester and postpartum period, increases the risk due to hormonal changes, blood pressure, and water retention, but such cases remain incredibly rare, according to Healthline. About 3 to 11 cases occur per 100,000 pregnancies. Early detection is key, with symptoms including sudden intense headaches, seizures, vision changes, pain or numbness in the face or eye area, and light sensitivity. If caught early, treatment is usually favourable.
