Ottawa's third (virtual?) Promise Walk for Preeclampsia

Yesterday Christine, the wee girls and myself did walk around Orlando park to get our kilometres in for the Ottawa Promise Walk for Preeclampsia, an event that she organized in Ottawa in 2018 and 2019. As she wrote in her press release for the first Ottawa walk in 2018:

The Promise Walk for Preeclampsia is more than a fundraiser. It is an event that will bring together a community of people who have been affected by preeclampsia, it will make connections and demonstrate the support of donors, sponsors, local media, community partners, and corporate sponsors, so those affected know that they are not alone. It is a place to honour those we have lost and to make real strides towards ending preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a condition in pregnancy that can occur as early as 20 weeks gestation and is characterized by elevated blood pressure along with several other symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, even death, for mothers and their unborn child. It is the leading cause of maternal mortality in Canada and carries with it lifelong health repercussions, including twice the risk of stroke or heart attack in the years following birth.

“I was personally affected by preeclampsia twice,” notes Ottawa walk coordinator Christine McNair. “In November 2013, I was diagnosed with severe postpartum preeclampsia. And in April 2016, I had postpartum preeclampsia after the birth of my second daughter. I was fortunate to survive and to have two healthy daughters. (Thanks in large part to care from the Ottawa Midwifery Group and the Montfort Hospital). Many aren’t as lucky. This is why I am so passionate about raising funds towards much needed research and to raising awareness.”

There is still time to support our walk for this year! You can either donate directly or sponsor Christine until Sept 13th at this link.