At my last routine OB appointment, I was 31 weeks and 5 days pregnant. I had gained 8 pounds despite having very little appetite, and my urine was positive for protein. I was referred to Maternal Fetal Medicine, but at the time, I didn’t really understand why. I wasn’t told what warning signs to look for, and my appointment wasn’t scheduled until the following week.

Two days later, I developed horrible abdominal pain. I called my OB after hours and was told it was probably heartburn and to take medication. The answer didn’t sit right with me, but I trusted my provider. Eventually, I fell asleep.

In the middle of the night, I woke up knowing something wasn’t right. I sat on the side of the bed to tell my husband—and that’s when he says I fell to the floor having a seizure.

He immediately called 911. I had two more seizures in the ambulance.

Our daughter, Braelyn, was delivered by emergency C-section at 32 weeks, weighing just 3 lbs 5 oz. She needed oxygen, a feeding tube, and spent two weeks in the NICU.

I was critically ill, on a ventilator and requiring ICU care. I didn’t meet my baby until day four of her life. After a week in the hospital, I was discharged home without her.

Braelyn is 13 years old today.

This is why I walk.

I walk to raise awareness about preeclampsia and to help expectant mothers recognize the warning signs I didn’t know to look for. I walk because women deserve to understand what is happening in their bodies and when symptoms require immediate attention.

Most importantly, I want women to trust their instincts. Ask questions. Advocate for yourself. And when something doesn’t feel right, keep speaking until someone listens.

If sharing our story helps save even one life or prevents another family from experiencing what we did, then every step and every donation means something.

13 years later, I get to walk beside the little girl we both fought so hard to survive for.