I never heard about preeclampsia until my friend was diagnosed during her pregnancy. A year later, during my third trimester, my blood pressure spiked, the swelling in my hands and feet were intense, and I had a dull headache. The symptoms seemed to have presented very rapidly. I was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia that moved into HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets) syndrome. I was diagnosed on a Friday, and I delivered my daughter the following Wednesday! She came six weeks early. Even at 3lbs 9oz, she was incredibly resilient. 

After this diagnosis, I looked for ways to connect with other survivors, and I found the Preeclampsia Foundation. The Preeclampsia Foundation is the leading US-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated solely to improving the outcomes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy like preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and eclampsia by educating, supporting and engaging the affected community, improving healthcare practices, and finding a cure. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, "Among pregnant women in the United States, 5 to 8% develop preeclampsia; 15% of these develop HELLP syndrome. This means approximately 45,000 women per year will develop HELLP syndrome in the United States."

Many Promise Walks for Preeclampsia occur across the country; however, this is the FIRST one to occur in Los Angeles! I am so happy to be able to walk to raise awareness.