My pregnancy was healthy and uneventful until my 36-week checkup, when I was suddenly diagnosed with preeclampsia — a dangerous pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and signs of organ stress. Left untreated, preeclampsia can cause seizures, stroke, organ failure, premature birth, or even death for mother and baby. Within hours of my diagnosis, I was admitted to the hospital, placed on medications to stabilize my blood pressure and prevent seizures, and put on strict bed rest as my care team worked around the clock to keep us safe. My birth plan quickly shifted into a medical emergency, but thanks to modern medicine and vigilant providers, both my baby and I made it through.

I walk because my story could have ended very differently. Preeclampsia is unpredictable, dangerous, and far more common than many realize — yet with more research, awareness, and patient support, lives can be saved. I walk to share my story, to honor the challenges I faced, and to help build a future where no family suffers the loss that preeclampsia can cause.