Iowa volunteer groups?

[kamrynsgma]

My daughter, Stephanie, gave birth to her first child, my first grandchild, on April 6, 2008 at 34 weeks. The only reason my daughter, and possibly granddaughter, are alive today is because Stephanie got shingles. Strange, I know, but that made her go to the doctor who sent her to the hospital because her BP was high. At the hospital they did 2 24 hr urine tests. Kamryn was born before the second one was done.

Stephanie developed HELLP syndrome extremely fast - in less than a couple of hours. In fact, there wasn't even time for the doctor or nurses to tell Stephanie or anyone else what had happened until after Kamryn was born.

We have found no one to date who has ever heard of HELLP syndrome, though many have heard of or know someone who has had preeclampsia.

I only learned of this organization this morning by accident. I would like to know what I can do to help get the word out to people in Iowa. I live in the Des Moines area.

Please let me know what I can do! I don't want another mother/grandmother to go through this!

Thank you,
Teri

[kara]

Teri,

There is a wonderful group of volunteers and many awareness activities going on in Iowa. I will shoot an email to John and Brenda in Iowa (they are closer to the Quad Cities). There daughter experienced HELLP syndrome. They may know of folks closer to your area too. I was born and raised in the Quad Cities, but now live in Madison, WI.

There are a handful of other Iowans on the boards here that will probably drop by and say hi. You might also post your daughters story in the "Ask the Experienced" are aor "HELLP Syndrome Survivors" forum on this board to get more responses.

Hope that your daughter and granddaughter are doing better now.

[shellysmomdad]

Hello Teri,
Sorry to hear of your daughter's experience, but thankful to know that her and your granddaughter are survivors.
I do have contacts in the Des Moines area. Please feel free to contact me, and we can discuss at greater length.
Meanwhile, we wish you, daughter, and granddaughter well.

John

[onesock]

Hi Teri, I am so sorry to hear that your daughter had to go through this, but congratulations :) I hope that they are both doing well. I am actually in Ames, so very close to you. I delivered my first son at 34 weeks in DM as well. Shoot me an email anytime that you would like. I am so glad you found us, sometimes answers and talking with others that have "been there" is healing and empowering.