Preeclampsia impacted not just one, but two of my pregnancies. Having been aware of this condition due to my mother's experience with eclampsia during her pregnancy with me, I knew the risks. However, I thought occurrences of preeclampsia were rare and never anticipated the challenges that lay ahead on my journey to motherhood.

In 2019, I developed HELLP Syndrome, a severe form of preeclampsia. As a result, I delivered my daughter 14 weeks early. She weighed just 1 pound 10 ounces and measured 13 inches long, earning her the title of the smallest baby in the hospital's NICU. After 150 days in the hospital, we finally came home as a family of three.

Even though I had prior knowledge about preeclampsia, I received no education or resources about the condition during my prenatal care. In hindsight, having this information may have enabled me to better advocate for myself and my baby when symptoms presented themselves. 

Though I have encountered preeclampsia twice, I feel fortunate to be alive and raising my children. I walk in honor of mothers and babies lost to this condition. I walk to educate and raise awareness in my community, empowering pregnant women to advocate for themselves when something doesn’t feel right. I also walk to accelerate research, ensuring my daughter does not become the third generation in our family affected by preeclampsia.