From One Comes Many

When Becky Sloan went into code blue seizures shortly after arriving in the hospital emergency room she had little knowledge of preeclampsia.  She also had no idea that she shortly would become more than a new mother…she was about to dive head first into driving awareness of preeclampsia.

In 2007, Becky took on the role of coordinator for the San Diego Promise Walk.  She later went on to add the National Walk Director responsibilities, and this year she has overseen the inclusion of ACOG (American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) into our Promise Walks.  ACOG is holding their annual conference in San Diego and has chosen the Preeclampsia Foundation and the San Diego walk as their charity event.

Whatever Becky is doing must be working…two current walk coordinators, Meredith Drews in Orange County, CA and Autumn Spear in Seattle, WA first came to the Preeclampsia Foundation via attendance at the San Diego Promise Walk.  Jenette Zecena also first got involved with the Foundation through the San Diego walk.  Jenette now holds an annual softball tournament in memory of her son.  Jenette and her husband are also this year’s featured personal story of preeclampsia at the San Diego Promise Walk.

Becky’s dedication and passion hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Foundation supporters either.  At last year’s Saving Grace Gala, Becky was named Volunteer of the Year for her dedication to our mission.  Although honored to be recognized by the Foundation, Becky’s hope for this year’s walk and the coming years is for more local recognition and participation by the medical community.

Included in the event, this Sunday, May 6^th are speakers, fun family activities and of course, the walk.  Registration is still open at www.promisewalk.org/sandiego or register at the event.  For more questions, contact Becky at becky.sloan@preeclampsia.org.

Turning Passion Into Action

In 2007, still reeling from the loss at 24 weeks of her twin daughters, Bridget and Elsie, Meredith Drews refused to sit at home recuperating and in her mind, doing nothing. Searching the internet furiously, she found the Preeclampsia Foundation and through it, a way to give back by first getting involved with the San Diego walk, and soon hosting her own.

In her third year coordinating the Orange County Promise Walk, not a day goes by that Meredith does not think of the reasons that she hosts the walk each year.

“I know we were lucky and had great medical care so that I survived, but we will always miss our baby girls,” Meredith commented. “It was so much work that first year, but at the end, people knew more about preeclampsia and about my little girls who only lived an hour; and it all happened because of the work I had done with my family and friends.”

The Orange County Walk is truly a family affair, including an auction run by Drews’ sister and co-coordinator Sara Tisdell and lots of family-friendly activities for the Orange County community. This year, that community has grown to include attendance by Assemblyman Allan Mansoor, Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang and Irvine City Councilmember Dr. Steven Choi. Assemblyman Mansoor will present a certificate of recognition and Mayor Kang will present the proclamation declaring May Preeclampsia Awareness Month. The program will also include a presentation by the Orange County mission family of Tricia Carlton who will be speaking about her sister Kathleen who died from the results of preeclampsia.  Tricia found out about our walk last year and came after seeing a flyer, then realizing that the walk was the same day as her sister’s birthday.

The Orange County goal is to raise $30,000 and have 200 people registered at their new location in Bill Barber Park in Irvine, Calif. To learn more about the Orange County walk, register at http://www.promisewalk.org/orangecounty.

Butterfly Kisses

Autumn Spear may be a first time walk coordinator, but she’s no stranger to the Promise Walk for Preeclampsia. Autumn attended her first walk in 2008, seven weeks after her daughter was born still due to preeclampsia that struck at 22 weeks into her pregnancy.

After a few years of joining the San Diego walk each year, Autumn has taken on a walk of her own in Seattle, WA. The first annual Seattle Promise Walk for Preeclampsia will take place on May 12th at Marymoor Park in Redmond, WA.

Much of the format of the Seattle walk will follow what Autumn has come to know and appreciate at the San Diego event. In fact, one of Autumn’s favorite memories from years past is the butterfly release done in 2011. It’s at this moment in the day that everyone pauses to think of those we’ve lost to preeclampsia and those who have thankfully survived.

Along with a moment to honor survivors and remember the victims, Seattle will host children’s activities, a silent auction and Dr. Thomas Easterling will speak.

In order to register and attend the Seattle Promise Walk for Preeclampsia, go to www.promisewalk.org/seattle. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children. For more information contact Autumn at autumn.spear@preeclampsia.org.

In Our Day and Time…Remembering Emilly and Connor

“I never have thought that in our day and time; women could still die in childbirth…” commented Laura Morrison, the Oklahoma City Promise Walk for Preeclampsia  Coordinator.  Laura now knows all too well, however, how women are still dying.

This time last year Laura and her family were awaiting the birth of their first grandchild, a baby shower ahead and all those dreams and expectations.  Instead, their son’s girlfriend, Emilly, developed preeclampsia a month from her due date and the worst nightmare happened instead.  Emilly and baby Connor both died.  Emilly was just 23 years old.

Laura had barely heard of preeclampsia and didn’t know the signs and symptoms until they lost Emilly and Connor.  She now works with the Preeclampsia Foundation to change that for others.  Laura is holding her first annual Oklahoma City Promise Walk for Preeclampsia on May 12 at the Stars and Stripes Park.

Walk Day will include a raffle, silent auction, kids’ activities as well as a moment of remembrance for those lost and for survivors.   Well on their way to their goal of $8400, there is still time to register.  Go to www.promisewalk.org/oklahomacity to register or donate.  For more information, contact oklahomacity@preeclampsia.org.

Join, Laura and Emilly and Connor’s family and friends so that in our day and time, preeclampsia is eradicated.

Grabbed by the Hand and Led into Helping Others

Four time preeclampsia survivor, three time NICU mom and friend to a woman who lost her baby due to preeclampsia at 34 weeks, Cleveland Promise Walk for Preeclampsia Coordinator Brandi Bigelow knows the toll preeclampsia can take.

Sent home from the hospital after the birth of her first child with liver enzymes unknowingly twelve times the normal level, Brandi owes her life to a follow-up appointment for her daughter at the hospital.  The hospital staff was concerned upon seeing her, drew labs, took her blood pressure and then decided it was best to transfer her to another, larger hospital better able to care for Brandi as she was now in full-blown HELLP Syndrome.

Brandi initially refused the notion of treatment and moving hospitals.  That was until a nurse, according to Brandi, grabbed her by the hand and told her “that my liver was starting to fail and my kidneys didn’t look good either and if I refused treatment, I could die.”  Brandi acquiesced and thankfully recovered.  Three more times Brandi would fight for a healthy pregnancy only to develop preeclampsia once again.

Her final struggle for a “normal” pregnancy was the straw that broke the camel’s back for Brandi.  It’s the straw that lead her to bridge from supporter of the cause to become the Cleveland Promise Walk for Preeclampsia Coordinator.

This will be the first year for the walk in Cleveland and they are off to a strong start.  With plans for survivor stories, kids’ activities and a raffle already in place, the walk promises something for everyone.  To be held May 12^th at the Brookside Reservation, registration is now open and can be found at www.promisewalk.org/cleveland.   The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children.  Prices increase to $25 for adults for walk-up registration.

For more information, contact Brandi Bigelow at cleveland@preeclampsia.org.

Catharsis Through Volunteerism

Amanda Basom found herself spending six weeks in the NICU watching her baby grow strong enough to come home…this was after her own ordeal with preeclampsia.  In the months that followed, Amanda decided to make her stressful, emotional experience into a positive one.

Amanda is now our Portland, OR Promise Walk for Preeclampsia coordinator…holding our first ever walk in Portland.

This coming May, the pain and stress of the birth of her daughter turns a tough time into a positive for so many others as those in Portland gather to raise awareness of preeclampsia and generate funds to combat the disease.  The day will include a special fundraiser at Oaks Amusement Park where walkers can purchase $15 bracelets to enjoy the afternoon at the park and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Preeclampsia Foundation.

When Amanda signed on as walk coordinator, she understood the task she was taking on was going to be a big one, but it’s been worth it.  “I had never done anything like it before, and it was a little intimidating, but volunteering has actually been very cathartic,” said Amanda when asked about the experience.

If you are in the Portland, OR area on May 12^th, join Amanda by registering at www.promisewalk.org/portland.  Registration is $20 for adults and $10 for children.  The walk begins in Oaks Park at “The Grove” picnic area.

For more information, contact Amanda Basom at Portland@preeclampsia.org.

Searching for Support and Finding a Promise

Participants at the First Annual San Jose Promise Walk in May 2011.

This time last year San Jose resident Jennifer Smith was pregnant and about to learn that her pregnancy was not to be one of those simple and healthy ones.  At 28 weeks, Jennifer was diagnosed with preeclampsia and eventually hospitalized.  Jennifer delivered at 33 weeks, 6 days when her body could no longer hold off the disease.

During the time that Jennifer was hospitalized she was looking for support from those who had been there and found the Preeclampsia Foundation.  She also found Tiffany Trevers who was last year’s San Jose Promise Walk lead coordinator.  Tiffany was in the midst of putting on the inaugural San Jose Promise Walk.

Jennifer’s experience last year with the Promise Walk was so positive that she took the big leap to Coordinator for 2012.  Together with Tiffany, they look to match last year’s amazing attendance and fundraising totals and reach even more local Bay Area folks who may have been touched by preeclampsia.

This year’s walk will once again feature a dove release to honor victims of preeclampsia and already has the support of several local businesses and ventures such as Blood Centers of the Pacific, Developmental Pathways for Kids and Sports Basement to name a few.

You can register to be a part of this day now!  The walk will be held on May 6th at Vasona Lake County Park.  Registration is $20 for adults and $10 for children.  Got to http://www.promisewalk.org/sanjose to register or make a donation.

Come and join Jennifer and Tiffany as they renew their promise to help find a cure, bring awareness and support others who have experienced the pain of preeclampsia.

Are you “Walk Coordinator” Material?

Has the thought of being a Promise Walk Coordinator ever crossed your mind?  Did you think about it and wonder…could I do that?  What’s it take?  Have a seat, put up your feet and curl up with our blog for the scoop and low-down on what we do!

A Walk Coordinator is a little like a party planner…if you’ve put on a birthday party or organized a wedding you are likely qualified.  The smaller the walk, the less time it takes and how big you make it is only dependent on how big you can dream, how much effort you put in and what help you can recruit.

There are five main components of the Walk Coordinator’s job: Walk Logistics, Sponsorships, Registration, Advertising/Public Relations and Finance.

Walk Logistics

Here’s where you get comfy with your local government officials.  As a Walk Coordinator, your first responsibility will be finding a location.  This can be a park, a school, any outdoor area that will accommodate your size group, have parking, restrooms and fit your budget will do.  You’ll then need to determine what, if any, permits are required and arrange to satisfy those with your city or local government.  Requirements vary greatly city to city. 

Additionally, you will need to arrange for tables, chairs, pop-up tents if you want them and all your “day-of materials”.  You’ll also need to plan the day…will you have speakers, a moment of silence, a silent auction, what will your walk route be?  These things are all up to you and your committee—even if that committee is just you and your sister!

Sponsorships

A Walk Coordinator is also responsible for trying to gather sponsorships from local businesses.  This isn’t required, but definitely contributes to the overall success of the walk, both in the dollars it raises and the potential to reach additional people if that business puts together a walk team or in some way involves their employees.  Some companies hold bake sales, match employee contributions or give incentives for their staff to participate in the walk.  Each and every person that learns of preeclampsia and our cause brings us one step closer to our mission as a Foundation.

Registration

Aside from making sure you check in all walkers on Walk Day and handing out their t-shirts, the more people you have at your walk, the more impact you’ll make.  Walk Coordinators drive registration with Facebook posts, word of mouth to family and friends, e-mails, forum postings, contacting local doctors and midwife groups and with…

Advertising/Public Relations

The Foundation provides press release templates for all coordinators to use to send out to local media to generate news articles and awareness.  You just need to look up those contacts and send them out, then follow up.  This is easy-peasy in some cities while others (many of the larger ones) struggle for media attention.  Whatever you are able to get is wonderful! 

You’ll also talk with your city officials again and request a Proclamation declaring May as Preeclampsia Awareness Month.  Copies of these proclamations will be sent on to the Foundation and they are helpful in gaining national attention.  Again, the Foundation will give you a template for your city and/or state to follow.

Finance

Lastly, the money!  You will be responsible for generating enough funds to cover your costs and hopefully a decent amount extra.  You will have to keep track of all donations, sponsorships and registration fees, enter them into our Promise Walk site and then tally it all up once your walk is over.

It helps if you start out with a budget and a plan but you definitely don’t need any experience beyond handling your own finances to tackle this one.

So…roughly…that’s it!  Think you have it in you?  I promise you, you’ll be standing there on Walk Day, you’ll take a moment to look around and you’ll realize you did it!  You made it happen and all these people are there because you said yes!  People donated and are aware of preeclampsia because you raised your hand and said…”I think I can do this…” 

We have a national Promise Walk team headed by Becky Sloan and a whole community of Walk Coordinators that will be there with you each step of the way to cheer you on, help you out and listen to you vent as you go through the process.  Feel free to e-mail Becky at becky.sloan@preeclampsia.org if you’re ready to join us.  I know you can…