2026 Promise Walk

Why I Walk

I walk because I am a two-time survivor of preeclampsia.

With my first daughter, Kelsea, I developed preeclampsia at 37 weeks and needed an emergency induction. After she was born, I required IV magnesium to help prevent a stroke and/or HELLP syndrome. Being a first-time mom already comes with plenty of fear and uncertainty, and preeclampsia amplified all of it, stealing much of the joy I had looked forward to in those beginning days.

With my second daughter, Alaina, I had a healthy pregnancy and an uncomplicated delivery. I thought we were safely on the other side. But 11 days postpartum, I developed severe headaches and dangerously high blood pressure and was readmitted to the hospital. Once again, I needed magnesium and close monitoring. This time, it was much more severe. I continued to experience daily headaches for weeks afterward.

Labor does not cure preeclampsia.

I am incredibly grateful that my daughters and I came through both experiences safely. I hope that through greater awareness and research, other mothers will not have to experience what I—and so many others—have gone through. Ultimately, I hope that someday there will be a cure.

I walk for my daughters.
I walk for survivors.
I walk for a future without preeclampsia.