I walk for our son Graeson for whom our walk team is named after "GKY," and I walk for all the mothers, babies and families affected by hypertension illnesses during and after pregnancy. Before I share our story... thank you to my husband, Kevin, for your unconditional love- you were my rock and are our rock now & thank you to my family and close friends- you helped me physically and emotionally through very hard days. I am forever thankful and blessed.
Our story... I was 3 months pregnant when my doctors began to notice high blood pressure, unusual swelling and extreme morning sickness. Thanks to having access to wonderful medical teams and a very supportive husband and family, I was quickly diagnosed with edema, hypertension/ tachycardia, hyperemesis gravidarum and later in my pregnancy I was monitored weekly as preeclampsia was starting. By the way, the obstetrics division of medicine, does not know why hypertension disorders affect so many women (I was a healthy and active adult and no one could tell me why).
I spent many days in maternal fetal medicine, many days receiving IV hydration and anti nausea medication at Virginia Hospital Center ER, and was put on modified bed rest at four months along. Even with the best care & a loving spouse and family, I lived in fear until Graeson came at 36 weeks, where I then had a 23 hour labor before emergency c-section. I cannot imagine being a soon-to-be mom without the proper health care and support I had; and I walk for those women, their babies and their loved ones. 
I spent almost two and a half years physically (I had emergency gall bladder 11 months of delivering Graeson) and emotionally recovering from a traumatic pregnancy and labor. I hope that you'll read our story, walk if you can with us and donate to help The Preeclampsia Foundation continue the very important scientific research to protect those who suffer and to help provide for those families without adequate resources. Our goal is $3,000 and we hope to not only reach it but far exceed this! Your donation and care for this cause is near and dear to us... and will affect so many!