Hi! My name is Andrea, and I've been suffering from the signs and symptoms including nausea, vomiting, right upper quadrant pain, and headaches of preeclampsia since I became pregnant in February 2023. I was officially diagnosed with mild preeclampsia when I was induced for labor at 38 weeks and 3 days (at my 38-week appointment on October 26). My beautiful baby boy, Miles Christopher, was born on October 27, 2023. We all were doing well until I stopped responding to my blood pressure medication, labetalol. I was diagnosed with severe postpartum preeclampsia exactly one week later. My blood pressure was 180/110 (my normal is 90/70) and I thought I was going to die. 76,000 mamas and 500,000 babies lose their lives every year due to preeclampsia. I am so glad to be here and share my story of survival.

I'm looking forward to continuing to raise awareness and educate women and families of such a prevalent disease in childbearing women. One in twelve pregnancies (8%) suffer from preeclampsia, which is diagnosed by hypertension (> or = to 140/90) and protein in your urine. Severe preeclampsia is (> or = to 160/110). In an effort to continue to raise awareness and funds, I am so excited to host a preeclampsia walk on the Montour Trail for the empowerment of women who have also been impacted by this incurable disease process in pregnancy and may be dealing with the long-term effects of preeclampsia. This also includes friends and family members, who have lost loved ones (including their children) to this horrible condition. Anyone is welcome to come enjoy the fresh spring air on the Montour Trail on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Details to follow.