Coming Together… over me and you

With over 220 people already registered, the Chicago Promise Walk for Preeclampsia is one of the biggest in the country and has so many stories–stories of survival, stories of loss, stories of pain.  These women and their families come together now on May 20^th to acknowledge those journeys and raise awareness of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome.

The Chicago Promise Walk was born of another Preeclampsia Foundation event.  Saving Grace, the Foundation’s annual gala was held in Chicago in 2009.  Three of the volunteers from that event were so moved by the support and turnout that they decided to expand upon that success and bring the Promise Walk to Chicago.  In their first year, they brought in over $30,000.

Having introduced the option of an official 5k to the Promise Walk last year, Chicago will offer that again and also will host a full family fest at the conclusion of the walk.  Participants can enjoy the bounce house, face painting, balloon animals, a presentation from Dance Dance Dynamics and a visit from Ozzie, the Kane County Cougar’s mascot.

Johanna Aiken, Chicago Promise Walk Chair, looks forward to sharing in the camaraderie and support from fellow survivors and the families, friends and co-workers that attend.  “This year we have an OB-Gyn office team and another company, cleverbridge has a team. This increase in corporate responsibility is crucial. It spreads the awareness beyond someone’s immediate family and friends and shows people that their employers care.”

If you’d like to come together and enjoy a day filled with fun all while doing a good deed, register now at www.promisewalk.org/chicago.  Registration is $25 for adults and $10 for children.  For more information contact Johanna Aiken at johanna.aiken@preeclampsia.org.

From Grace to Race…the Chicago Story

When Johanna Aiken and Renee Martinez-Ujiki signed on to help Jill Siegel organize the Preeclampsia Foundation’s 2009 Saving Grace Gala event the wheels were put in motion.  Their phenomenally successful event brought together a Chicagoland community of Preeclampsia Foundation supporters who were motivated to come together annually and support our collective mission.  The Chicago Promise Walk for Preeclampsia was born.

Now in its second year, the Chicago walk has transformed in 2011 into an officially sanctioned, CARA certified 5K Walk/Run.  Complete with prizes for the top male and female finishers as well as age group awards, the 5K will also feature a Kids’ Dash and prizes for all children who complete the event.

After the 5K, families and supporters can linger about to enjoy a kids’ crafts table, presentation of awards, music and much more.   

Hoping to attract over 250 participants and raise over $40,000, the Chicago Promise Walk is one of the nation’s largest preeclampsia walks.  There’s still time to register and be a part of this important event.  Go to http://www.promisewalk.org/pfpw/fundevent.asp?nnaffundid=9 and register or donate now.