I walk in honor of my son, Tyler Braden.

On June 10, 2019, at 22 weeks pregnant, I first learned what HELLP syndrome was. Just six days later, on June 16, I painfully learned what it can take away. At that stage of pregnancy—while critically ill and quite literally fighting for my life in a hospital—should never have been the first time I, or any woman, learned about these conditions.

While I walk to honor my angel son, I fundraise to support the PreEclampsia Foundation’s vital work in research, education, and advocacy. Their efforts are essential to improving early detection, quality of care, and outcomes for mothers and babies. I firmly believe that my family’s outcome would have been very different had both I—and the medical team responsible for my care—been better informed. Awareness and early education are critical, and they save lives.

I have participated in the Promise Walk virtually every year since my life-altering experience with HELLP syndrome, and I was deeply grateful to attend in person when the DC Walk returned stronger than ever in 2025!

This year, I am honored to serve on the committee supporting the DC Walk. I hope you will join me in helping us meet our fundraising goals for this deeply personal and incredibly important cause.

Please consider supporting the PreEclampsia Foundation and DC Walk, by donating today. 

For Tyler.