Why I Walk: In Honor of SJ, Ellie, Jordan, and Vanna
Before I got pregnant, I had only ever heard of preeclampsia once—from a close friend who had experienced it. When my husband and I got married and became pregnant with our first child, SJ, preeclampsia was never mentioned by my doctor.
I had a fairly easy, normal, and healthy pregnancy up until 27 weeks, when I started to feel like I had the flu. My symptoms gradually worsened, leading me to the ER at around 29 weeks. It was there that we received the devastating news: I had severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, and our sweet baby boy had passed away. Labor was induced, and our son, SJ, was stillborn at 2.9 lbs and 19 inches long.
Losing SJ changed our lives forever, but our journey with preeclampsia didn't end there.
We went on to welcome three wonderful daughters—Ellie (now 9), Jordan (6), and Vanna (4). During each of my pregnancies with our girls, preeclampsia returned, and I had to be induced early every single time to safely deliver them.
I walk in the Promise Walk for Preeclampsia to honor the memory of our son, SJ, and in gratitude for the safe arrival of Ellie, Jordan, and Vanna. I walk so that no parent is caught off guard by this condition, and so that healthcare providers and mothers have the tools, education, and research needed to detect and manage preeclampsia before it’s too late.
How You Can Help
By donating to my walk, you directly support the Preeclampsia Foundation in funding critical medical research, educating expectant parents on symptoms, and advocating for maternal and infant health.
Every dollar raised helps protect mothers and babies and brings us one step closer to a cure. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting our family and this cause.
Sontice Tagalk $0.00