April 13th, 2012 
One in 12 pregnant women are diagnosed with preeclampsia, which causes a rise in blood pressure that may lead to a serious illness or death of a mom and infant. This debilitating condition often requires pregnant women to stay for an extended time at the hospital and deliver their babies early, resulting in a NICU stay of months.
Jennifer Smith's daughter, Sienna, was born seven weeks early due to preeclampsia. (Photo Credit: Promise Walk San Jose Event Chair, Jennifer Smith.)
The Promise Walk for Preeclampsia was created in 2005 to support and encourage women and their families who are going through or have survived this condition, and to raise funds for the Preeclampsia Foundation to research ways of prevention. This walk has grown from a community of women, mothers, children and families in just a few select states to 36 walks throughout the nation, which has so far raised $100 thousand toward its $400 thousand goal to donate to the Preeclampsia Foundation.
“I was diagnosed at 28 weeks last spring, hospitalized for a month, and then my daughter was delivered at 33 weeks,” said the chair of this year’s Promise Walk for Preeclampsia in San Jose, Jennifer Smith. “It was a very devastating time during what is suppose to be one of the most exciting joyful times in your life. Through my experience I found Tiffany, the Preeclampsia Foundation and learned about the walk,” she added.
On Sunday, May 6 (from 9 a.m. – noon), The Promise Walk will be held in San Jose for the second time. Bay Area residents showed their support last year with 250 participants and 50 donors to raise $31 thousand for the cause. Smith said walk organizers are hoping to meet this year’s fundraising goal of $30 thousand since they did so well last year, but that they still need more participants and volunteers. So far, the walk has raised just under $8,000, less than half their goal. Still, this year’s event at Vasona Lake County Park already has a full schedule planned for participants.
Photo Credit: The Promise Walk in San Jose
The day starts with complimentary breakfast items donated by Peet’s Coffee Camden Park, Hobee’s, Whole Foods Market, and HappyFamily, along with raffle ticket sales, balloon animals, and kids’ crafts during registration time (9 – 9:45 a.m.). Following registration, Dr. Kay I. Daniels from Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and preeclampsia survivor Monica Durham will speak to participants about the event. A live dove release by Bay Area Doves will conclude The Promise Walk’s opening ceremonies, so be sure to arrive early enough to this event to hear these speakers and feel the importance of the release. At 10:30 a.m. the actual 5K (3.1 mile walk or optional one mile loop) will begin, raffle ticket sales will end, and water will be handed out to thirsty participants along the way. Remember to check back at the main event after your walk to find out who won the raffle.
Promise Walk participants, donors and volunteers are still needed (and it’s only a few weeks away)! Sports Basement will be supplying bags with product coupons and samples to a limited number of walkers who register early! The walk’s website also offers an option to donate what you can for the cause if you would like to do something but are not able to participate. Visit The Promise Walk San Jose Online to read stories from moms who have survived preeclampsia and learn more about The Promise Walk, or to participate, donate, or volunteer.
WHEN: Sunday, May 6, 2012. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
WHERE:
Vasona Lake County Park
333 Blossom Hill Rd.
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Ph. (408) 644-4144 (Promise Walk contact number)
REGISTRATION: $20 for Adults and $10 for Children, ages 13 and under. Click here for more information.
PARKING: Vasona Lake County Park has parking available for $6 per vehicle
Thank you so much Shari for the great article and coverage!!!! Such a nice job. I look forward to meeting you soon.
Jennifer