On the early morning of August 31st I was rushed to the hospital and unexpectedly (well unexpected for that day at least) delivered my daughter, Zara, at 28 weeks gestation.  I was diagnosed with sudden onset eclampsia, HELLP syndrome and IUGR.  Eclampsia and HELLP are life-threatening conditions that occurs in pregnant women or soon after delivery. They can cause high blood pressure, seizures, stroke or liver rupture.  I had no signs or symptoms and had an unremarkable preganancy up until that point.  Zara was delivered via c-section and weighed nearly a pound less than she should have at 28 weeks.  She spent 76 days in the NICU obtaining the best medical care for a micro-preemie.  She went from a CPAP, to high flow oxygen.  Went from a OG to an NG tube for feeding and eventually drank out of a bottle.  She received PT and ST and even a blood transfusion.  She finally came home on November 15th - a week shy of her actual due date.

I participate in the Promise Walk in order to educate other women about pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and HELLP.  To let other women know they are not alone.

I raise money for the Preeclampsia Foundation in hopes of furthering research, providing community support, and spreading awareness about the seriousness of Preeclampsia and Hypertensive Pregnancy Disorders