Community Corner

Preeclampsia Awareness Walk This Saturday at Vasona

Life threatening disorder affects one out of 12 pregnancies.

The Preeclampsia Foundation will be having one of its many 5K awareness walks this Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Vasona Lake County Park.

Called the Promise Walk for Preeclampsia, the fundraiser's goal is to educate the public about preeclampsia—a life-threatening disorder that affects thousands of mothers and their babies every year. The condition is caused by high blood pressure and protein in the urine develop after the 20th week of pregnancy.

Registration is $20 for adults and $10 for kids 13 and under. It will cost $6 to park your car at the park.

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Approximately 5 to 8 percent of all pregnancies are affected by preeclampsia and it is responsible for 18 percent of maternal deaths, according to the foundation.

Organizers have planned other activities around the walk including guest speakers, family activities like crafts and face painting, and a live dove release to remember babies lost due to the condition.

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"We have a number of moms walking whose babies sadly died because of preeclampsia," said Tiffany Trevers, Northern California Promise Walk for Preeclampsia chairwoman. "I developed preeclampsia during pregnancy in 2005 and delivered my son three months premature."

Two blood centers will also participate in the event as sponsors to inform the public about the role between blood donation and preeclampsia, Trevers said.

The walk will also feature a silent auction featuring items from the 49ers and the San Jose Sharks.

This is the first time the foundation will be holding the event in Northern California, Trevers said.

 Hobee's blueberry coffeecake will be served, as well as bread from Mexico Bakery, coffee courtesy of Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Co and bottled water courtesy of Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets.

Details: Tiffany Trevers, event chairwoman, norcalpw@hotmail.com, or call 408- 603-6946.


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