At 38 weeks pregnant I was diagnosed with severe Preeclampsia. Due to elevated blood pressure and worsening labs, I was sent to the hospital to deliver my baby via C-section. Initially I spent six days in the hospital on anti-stroke and seizure medication. I realize now the severity of this diagnosis and how lucky I was to deliver a beautiful and healthy baby girl at full term. Unfortunately, after delivery the Preeclampsia did not resolve itself.

After one night at home, I went into the emergency room with a debilitating headache, a blood pressure reading off 210/100, and the beginning stages of liver damage. I was readmitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of Postpartum Preeclampsia and "Borderline HELLP syndrome". I had never heard these words before and had no understanding of what was happening to me. As a pregnant woman there was very little education and awareness provided for such a serious pregnancy complication that could affect both the lives of a mother and her baby. Had I been educated better could I have known the signs and symptoms to look for? Could this have been treated earlier before things became so severe? These are questions that still linger in my head years later. 

After I was readmitted, I spent four more days alone in the hospital away from my newborn and my husband. It was one of the scariest moments of my life. After finally returning home to my daughter it took three months for my blood pressure and overall health to stabilize. It was a difficult time for me physically and mentally that no new mother or family should have to experience. I ask that you walk with me and my family to support research in early diagnostics, improvement in education for pregnant women, and effective treatment to prevent the loss of life for both mothers and their babies. I thank you all for your love and support!