The Promise Walk for Preeclampsia™ Calls Attention to a Serious Pregnancy Disorder Affecting Mothers, Babies
Methuen, MA– Advocates for the Preeclampsia Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing maternal and infant illness and death due to preeclampsia, a life-threatening disorder of pregnancy related to high blood pressure, will be participating in and raising money for the Foundation’s annual The Promise Walk for Preeclampsia™. The annual event, which happens around the country to support innovative research and raise public awareness about the warning signs of preeclampsia, will be taking place here in Methuen MA serving the Merrimack Valley and Southern NH area at Riverside Park on May 23, 2015 at 10am-2pm.
The Promise Walk for Preeclampsia Methuen MA is happy to have many local supporters. We have several great raffle items and silent auction items such as a Vera Bradley bag, Cigar tasting for 8 people, Cruise Travel gift card and more. We will have a DJ playing great music, face painting, a magician and other great activities for all ages. Monica, a representative from Jenny Craig, will be joining us and sharing some snacks. We also have drinks and snacks donated by other local businesses. The list is long so please visit our website for more information.
The Promise Walk for Preeclampsia, with the tagline “Making Strides, Delivering Hope,” makes a clear connection with the mission of the Preeclampsia Foundation – a commitment for better outcomes for those whose lives have been or will be touched by preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. That “promise” includes ensuring education and awareness for all pregnant women and funding research to identify a cure for the condition.
“Preeclampsia survivors are bringing wonderful awareness to communities across the country through the Promise Walk,” said Preeclampsia Foundation Director of Community Relations Laney Poye. “We are very excited to continue this momentum in 2015, since we know that greater awareness and knowledge results in healthier birth outcomes for mom and baby.”
For the city of Methuen this will be the first year they have produced a walk, attracting an unprecedented number of walkers, supporters with the goal of raising$5000 dollars toward helping women and their infants who suffer from the devastating effects of preeclampsia.
“May is National Preeclampsia Awareness Month, deliberately chosen to coincide with Mother’s Day weekend,” explained Executive Director Eleni Tsigas. “Almost 300,000 women each year are affected by preeclampsia, with approximately 25 percent of those resulting in serious adverse outcomes to either the mother, baby or both.” Methuen Mayor Stephen Zanni has proclaimed May as Preeclampsia month.
Walk-up registrations will also be accepted on the day of the Promise Walk event, but pre-registration is encouraged by signing up at www.promisewalk.org/Methuen .
About Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a disorder that occurs during pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period, and affects both the mother and the fetus. It is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by elevated blood pressure and protein in the urine; other symptoms may include swelling in the hands and face, headaches, and visual disturbances. Preeclampsia affects the mother’s kidneys, liver and other vital organs and, if undetected or untreated, can lead to seizures (eclampsia), cerebral hemorrhage, failure in vital organs and death. The cause of preeclampsia is still not fully understood, and the only cure for the condition begins with delivery. Approximately five to eight percent of pregnancies are affected by preeclampsia, which, in the United States, translates to approximately 300,000 pregnancies. It is a leading cause of preterm birth, and is responsible for approximately 76,000 maternal deaths and half a million infant deaths worldwide annually. There are several types of preeclampsia, including HELLP syndrome, a particularly dangerous variant.
About the Preeclampsia Foundation: The Preeclampsia Foundation is the only national nonprofit patient advocacy organization for the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Through national fundraising events like the Promise Walk for Preeclampsia™, the Preeclampsia Foundation works to achieve its mission to provide patient support and education, raise public awareness, catalyze research and improve health care practices. We envision a world where preeclampsia no longer threatens the lives of mothers and babies. Knowing the warning signs can lead to more timely diagnosis and better outcomes. For more information on the Foundation’s ongoing mission and resources, please visit www.preeclampsia.org.