Space Coast Walkers Make Strides to Raise Awareness of Preeclampsia

The Promise Walk for Preeclampsia™ Called Attention to Serious Pregnancy Disorder Affecting Mothers, Babies

Melbourne, Florida—May 18, 2015 – 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, made strides on May 16 at The Avenue – Viera in Melbourne, Florida, to raise awareness at the annual Promise Walk for Preeclampsia™. The Space Coast walkers joined thousands of other participants around the country that are walking in May and June to support innovative research and raise public awareness about the warning signs and symptoms of preeclampsia.

This inaugural Space Coast-event has raised more than $9,000 to date and had more than 100 participants, making an impact in our local community. The program featured Vanessa Dance, MD, an obstetrician/gynecologist with Health First Medical Group, and the walkers were cheered on by the Viera High School cheerleaders.

 “We are incredibly thankful for the overwhelming support this community has shown for the families impacted by this devastating disease,” said Walk Coordinator Laney Poye.

The Promise Walk for Preeclampsia, with the tagline “Making Strides, Delivering Hope,” makes a clear connection with the mission of the Preeclampsia Foundation. That “promise” includes finding a cure, supporting families, and ensuring education and awareness for all pregnant women. The event’s national goal is to raise $500,000.

The support for May as Preeclampsia Awareness Month from the state of Florida has been strong, with the receipt of a state proclamation from Florida Governor Rick Scott and a resolution from the Florida House of Representatives, as well as local proclamations from the cities of Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Palm Bay, Rockledge, Titusville, and West Melbourne.

 “The Space Coast Promise Walk has made great strides in awareness and fundraising for this cause,” said Preeclampsia Foundation Executive Director Eleni Tsigas. “We are very excited to continue the momentum in Brevard County for years to come under Laney Poye’s extremely capable guidance.”

This year’s local event sponsors include BIMDA, Health First, and Hibiscus Women’s Care; media partners include KISS 95.1, EverythingBrevard.com, and spacecoastfun4kids.com; and national sponsors include BabyCenter and Perkin Elmer Labs.

The Promise Walk fundraising season runs through August 31, 2015. For more information or to contribute to the Space Coast walk, please visit www.promisewalk.org/SpaceCoast.

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 its Promise Walk for Preeclampsia™ national fundraising events, the Preeclampsia Foundation works to achieve its mission to provide patient support and education, raise public awareness, catalyze research, and improve healthcare 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.