My Personal Fundraising Page

My husband and I were expecting our first baby. We went to every appointment, followed all the “rules” and were having a very easy pregnancy. It was February and I was going to my usual OB appointment. I had felt “blah” for a few days with some pain but figured it was just usual pregnancy symptoms. If I could go back in time I would have called my OB three days prior and been seen! The nurse is completing the normal intake. She put on my blood pressure cuff and I see a strange look in her eye. She asks if I’m stressed or feeling dizzy. I respond no and she tells me to lay down now, rather sternly, turns off the lights and flies down to the hall to get my doctor. Still not worried I wait for them to come in. They take my blood pressure again and after much discussion tell me I need to go immediately to labor and delivery at the hospital. I was admitted and in the early morning had a panel of labs drawn... literally an hour later a doctor and 4 med students come into my room. I work at the hospital so I know if a herd of medical students come along something is up! I’m told I have hellp syndrome. HELLP syndrome is one of the most severe forms of preeclampsia and occurs in 5-12% of preeclamptic patients. It can lead to substantial injury to the mother’s liver, a breakdown of her red blood cells and lowered platelet count. #HELLP stands for: hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and lowered platelets. #HELLP syndrome may initially be mistaken for the flu or gallbladder problems, because the pains may feel similar and it can occur before the classic symptoms of preeclampsia appear. (Oh yeah I’ve felt like crap the past few days!) What now? I’m not due for 5 more weeks! Surprise I’m delivering my baby TODAY! I was put on magnesium, which is what caused my face to look so puffy and my eyes to look foggy (see picture below) After a few hours of labor I met my handsome 5 pound 14 ounce son. I had no idea what preeclampsia or hellp syndrome were and what the signs were. My goal is to educate all women about the signs and symptoms of #preeclampsia and to listen to your body. If something is not right call your doctor! If I can educate one person I may just save their life. The money from my #thirtyone fundraiser will provide much needed education to providers and patients. It also funds innovative research that will advance progress towards detection, prevention, or treatment of preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Thank you for your support!

Why I Walk

The Promise Walk for Preeclampsia is the single most important fundraising initiative for Preeclampsia Foundation that supports our mission to reduce maternal and infant mortality due to preeclampsia, HELLP Syndrome and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy through patient education, public awareness and research. These walks are more than a fundraiser; they are events that bring together a community of people who have been affected by these disorders, to make connections, and to demonstrate the support of donors, sponsors, local media, community partners, and corporate sponsors, so those affected know they are not alone. It is also a place to honour those we have lost and to make a real stride towards ending preeclampsia!

Please help me reach my fundraising goal as I participate in The Harrisburg-Hershey Promise Walk for Preeclampsia 2023

 

My Badges

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    Awarded 05/01/2023

  • $100 Fundraiser
    $100 Fundraiser

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    Awarded 05/01/2023

  • $250 Fundraiser
    $250 Fundraiser

    Awarded when Anyone reaches $250.00 in donations

    Awarded 05/07/2023

  • Fundraising Achieved
    Fundraising Achieved

    Awarded when Anyone reaches 100 % of goal

    Awarded 05/22/2023

  • $500 Fundraiser
    $500 Fundraiser

    Awarded when Anyone reaches $500.00 in donations

    Awarded 05/22/2023

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My Supporters

  • Anonymous May 2023 $200.00
  • Jean Seibert May 2023 $50.00
  • Cindy Grove May 2023 $50.00
  • Colleen Rafferty May 2023 $26.25
  • Raelene Gervinski May 2023 $26.25
  • Anonymous May 2023 $200.00
  • Karen Moyer May 2023 $100.00
  • Jean Seibert May 2023 $50.00
  • Cindy Grove May 2023 $50.00
  • Colleen Rafferty May 2023 $26.25