When Talia was born -- a super healthy little nugget -- on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, I (Denali) was diagnosed with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. After an entirely healthy pregnancy, this was rather alarming and unexpected for me and Aaron. The week following was not the week we imagined as our first week with our first baby, since we had an extended stay in the hospital as my incredible team of MFM doctors worked to stabilize my blood pressure, liver enzymes, and platelets. 

We share our gratitude daily that Talia was born at 39 weeks and 5 days a super healthy baby, and that only at her birth did my health scare happen. And while I am still on bp meds, I'm recovering and we recognize how incredibly lucky we are. We know that so many moms and babies are not so lucky, and we hope to help raise awareness and funds for the preeclampsia foundation and about HELLP syndrome. We are participating in the 140/90 challenge -- walking/running 140 miles in 90 days -- to help raise money for life-saving blood pressure cuffs.