Please join me in supporting a cause that is deeply personal and profoundly important: raising awareness and funding research for preeclampsia. 

For those who may not know, preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, typically occurring after 20 weeks of pregnancy or postpartum. It can progress rapidly and, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications for both the mother and baby, including organ damage, seizures, stroke, and even death.

This cause is not just a statistic to me; it's my story (and the story of so many other women). I am a preeclampsia survivor. I know firsthand the fear, the uncertainty, and the potential devastation this condition can bring. While I am incredibly grateful to have delivered my son safely at 37 weeks, and made it through postpartum without serious complications; my experience has ignited a passion within me to spread awareness. 

Preeclampsia often presents with symptoms that can be easily dismissed as normal pregnancy discomforts - things like swelling, headaches, and vision changes. This is why awareness is absolutely critical. We need to come together to empower expectant mothers and their support systems with the knowledge to recognize these warning signs and to understand the urgency of seeking prompt medical attention.

Furthermore, we need to bridge the gap in how seriously these concerns are taken. Tragically, many women, report their symptoms being dismissed or downplayed by some healthcare providers. This can lead to dangerous delays in diagnosis and treatment, with potentially life-altering consequences. 

That's why this fundraising effort is so vital. The funds we raise will go directly to The Preeclampsia Foundation for research, education, and support for individuals and families affected by preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. 

By contributing to this cause, you are not just donating money; you are investing in the lives of mothers and babies. You are helping to amplify the voices of pregnant women and demand that their concerns are taken seriously. You are raising awareness to a condition and educating expectant and postpartum mothers on the symptoms to look out for and the urgency behind seeking prompt medical attention.

Please consider joining us in a walk. Please consider donating to the cause. Please consider talking to your friends, neighbors, family, coworkers and healthcare providers about preeclampsia and its risks. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a tangible difference. Together we can raise awareness, fund crucial research, and empower mamas to advocate for their health. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and for walking with me on this important mission.