When I was pregnant with my son, I never imagined that the greatest threat to my life would come after he was born.

A few days after welcoming Kieran, I developed severe postpartum preeclampsia—a life-threatening condition. What should have been the happiest time of my life quickly turned into a medical emergency. I was diagnosed with postpartum preeclampsia & HELLP syndrome and faced serious complications that changed my life forever. I am incredibly grateful to be here today, and I know that not every mother gets that chance.

That’s why I am participating in this year’s Preeclampsia Walk.

Preeclampsia affects approximately 1 in 12 pregnancies in the United States, and it doesn’t always end with delivery. Postpartum preeclampsia can happen after birth, even in women who had a healthy pregnancy and normal blood pressure. It can develop in the days and weeks after delivery, which is why awareness of the warning signs is so important.

Many people don’t realize that symptoms like a severe headache, vision changes, swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain, or high blood pressure after having a baby can be signs of a life-threatening emergency. Without prompt treatment, preeclampsia can lead to seizures, stroke, organ damage, or death.

What makes this cause even more urgent is that hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia, are increasing in the United States. More mothers and families are being impacted, making education, research, and awareness more important than ever.

I walk for the mothers who didn’t make it home.

I walk for the families forever changed by this disease.

I walk for survivors like me.

And I walk so that more mothers recognize the signs, receive care sooner, and get the chance to watch their children grow.

I would love for you to join my team, Mission: Pree Possible, at the Preeclampsia Walk on September 12th at 10:30 AM at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, NJ. Whether you walk with us, donate, or simply share our message, your support helps bring awareness to a condition that affects so many families.

Thank you for helping me turn one of the hardest experiences of my life into a mission to protect and support other mothers. ?