I’m walking in the Preeclampsia Foundation’s Virtual Walk because this cause is incredibly personal to me. I delivered my daughter, Chloe, after developing preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, and I am incredibly grateful that we are both well today. I thank God every day for Chloe and for the blessing of being her mom.

For weeks before her birth, I experienced symptoms that something wasn’t right, but my concerns were brushed off and I was reassured that what I was experiencing was normal. My hope in sharing our story is to help raise awareness so that other moms know the warning signs, trust their instincts, and feel empowered to advocate for themselves when they know something isn’t right.

We are so fortunate to be here, healthy and together, and I want to use our experience to help make a difference for other moms and babies. I am walking for Chloe, for the moms whose concerns deserve to be heard, and for every family affected by preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome.

If you are able, please consider making a donation to support the Preeclampsia Foundation and its work to raise awareness, educate families, and improve outcomes for moms and babies. Every donation, share, and conversation helps spread the word. 

For Chloe, for moms, and for a future where every voice is heard. 

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication typically involving high blood pressure and signs that organs, such as the liver or kidneys, may be affected. It most often develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and can become dangerous for both mother and baby if it progresses. Warning signs can include persistent headaches, vision changes, sudden swelling, upper abdominal pain, nausea, shortness of breath, or rapidly increasing blood pressure. Because symptoms can sometimes resemble normal pregnancy discomforts, awareness, regular monitoring, and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right are incredibly important.

HELLP syndrome is a rare but life-threatening pregnancy complication, often associated with preeclampsia. HELLP stands for Hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells), Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count. It can develop quickly and can be dangerous for both mother and baby, making prompt recognition and medical care critical.

Worldwide, preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders like HELLP syndrome are responsible for over 70,000 maternal deaths and roughly 500,000 fetal and newborn deaths each year.