by BabyCenter Staff posted in Pregnancy

By Linda J. Murray
Last weekend I walked with my daughter and a dedicated, passionate group of BabyCenter coworkers in the Promise Walk for Preeclampsia. It was a beautiful, sunny day in Northern California, and while we enjoyed the 5K stroll and raising money for a good cause, there was a dark cloud over the event.
Alexandra, the bubbly event coordinator who rallied us all, had developed preeclampsia, a life-threatening disorder of pregnancy, at 24 weeks. She delivered her baby shortly thereafter but despite heroic efforts, it was too early for precious Gabby to survive. Instead of welcoming a new family member, Alex?s close-knit clan gathered for Gabby?s funeral. No one should ever have to attend the funeral of a newborn.
Alex wasn?t the only one carrying a painful memory that day. Volunteer Lisa and her daughter nearly died from preeclampsia. They both survived but now suffer with permanent disabilities. Two of my coworkers also faced this deadly disease recently, and my dear friend Susan nearly died from HELLP syndrome, a severe form of preeclampsia. I, too, had suffered from preeclampsia and life-threatening complications during the birth of my daughter.
I hate being in this club. I hate that some of my friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors are in this club. No one wants to be in this club. But too many of us are lifetime members. Preeclampsia is not a disease that happens to "other" people. It hits close to home ...