During my pregnancy with my daughter, I was diagnosed with servere preeclampsia at 32 weeks. Fearing daily the uncertainty for my daughter and myself for the remainder of my pregnancy, which resulted in the premature birth of our daughter at 34 weeks + 2 days gestation via cecarean section, with a birth weight of 4lbs .6oz, a 23 day NICU stay and a challenging physical recovery for myself.

I walk to support a community for women and families affected by hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and postpartum; to promote awareness, enhance patient and healthcare provider education and raise funds for research through the Preeclampsia Foundation in hopes of finding a cure.

I walk to bring awareness of preeclampsia, a life-threatening hypertensive disorders that occurs during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

I walk to bring awarneess and education of the signs and symptoms; High blood pressure (140/90 or greater), Protein in the urine, Swelling of the hands and face, Seeing spots/Vision Flares/Vision Change, Headache, Sudden weight gain, Upper right stomach pain, Nausea and Vomiting in the 2nd half of pregnacy.

No mother or baby should have to experience a life-threatening condition during pregnancy and postpartum.

I walk for myself, my sister and all women and babies who experienced preeclampsia, eclampsia and HELLP syndrome.  

At 32 week gestation with my daughter, I was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and SIADH (high levels of the ADH hormone that causes the body to retain water, which caused low sodium levels). My symptoms included high protein levels, high blood pressure, reaching 162/111, swelling in my face, arms and legs, vision flares, headache, water retention and very low sodium levels.  

At 34 weeks + 2 days gestation our daughter Kylie was born via cesarean section weighing 4lbs 0.6oz and spending her first 23 days of life in the NICU.  My blood pressure continued to be elevated after delivery through 2 weeks postpartum.

My hope is one day my daughter and all daughters will never have to worry or experience preeclampsia, eclampsia or HELLP syndrome during what should be an exciting life event.