The Boston Promise Walk is deeply personal to me.
More than ten years ago, I experienced preeclampsia during my pregnancy with my son, who is now a happy and thriving 10-year-old. While I am incredibly grateful for him every single day, my journey into motherhood was forever changed.
Later, I lost my son, Declan, after developing HELLP Syndrome. Because the warning signs were not recognized and I did not receive the care I needed in time, what should have been a joyful chapter became one of unimaginable heartbreak.
No family should ever have to experience the pain of losing a child or wonder if a different outcome might have been possible with earlier recognition, education, or treatment.
I walk for Declan.
I walk for my son, whose life reminds me every day how precious every pregnancy and every baby truly is.
I walk for the mothers who are fighting for their lives, for the babies whose futures hang in the balance, and for the families forever changed by preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome.
Each year, I proudly serve as the Massachusetts Chair for the Boston Promise Walk because I believe awareness saves lives. By sharing my story, I hope other families will recognize the warning signs sooner, feel empowered to advocate for themselves, and receive the care they deserve.
Every dollar we raise supports the Preeclampsia Foundation's mission to fund lifesaving research, improve education, provide resources for families, and advance care for mothers and babies. Together, we are helping move closer to a future where fewer families experience the heartbreak that mine has endured.
Declan's life, though far too short, continues to inspire hope through this mission. His memory lives on in every step we take, every conversation we have, every family we reach, and every dollar raised.
Thank you for walking beside me, for honoring Declan, and for helping us create a future where every pregnancy is safer, every mother is heard, and every baby has the opportunity to come home.
Together, we create hope. Together, we save lives.