I’ve faced preeclampsia three times — twice during my pregnancies and once after giving birth. Each time, the fear was the same: that this condition could take one of my kids, or take me from my family.

That fear was so overwhelming after my first two diagnoses that I was so scared to have a second baby. The thought of going through it one more time felt impossible. All I have ever wished for was safe children. 

Today, I’m the grateful mom of two beautiful children, Hayes and Cooper. I made it through my second pregnancy because I had an OB who listened, supported me, and stood beside me through the fear. Not every mom has that. Not every mom makes it through.

That’s why I walk. I walk for safer pregnancies, for earlier answers, and for a future where no mother has to weigh her fear against her hope of holding her child. I walk for Hayes, for Cooper, for Kyle and for every family still waiting for a safer tomorrow.

Please consider donating to support research, education, and the moms who are facing preeclampsia right now. Every step — and every gift — brings us closer to a world without this fear.