Promise Walk for Preeclampsia Set May 3 at at Cocoa Village Civic Center
By Space Coast Daily // April 12, 2025
Supports a life-threatening pregnancy disorder related to high blood pressure
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Advocates for the Preeclampsia Foundation, the leading US-based not-for-profit organization dedicated solely to improving the outcomes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, will hold their Promise Walk for Preeclampsia on May 3 at the Cocoa Village Civic Center.
The event will kick off at 8 a.m. and feature speakers, a raffle, an online auction, and activities for children and adults.
This annual event is part of a series of walks across the country to support the Foundation’s mission of education, support, research, and healthcare improvements for women and babies affected by preeclampsia, a life-threatening pregnancy disorder related to high blood pressure.
As the Preeclampsia Foundation, whose home office is in Melbourne, celebrates 25 years of advocacy and progress, the organization expresses deep gratitude for the unwavering support of its community, partners, and advocates who have been integral in reaching this milestone—especially those right here in their backyard.
The Foundation continues to raise awareness and make strides in improving the lives of those impacted by preeclampsia, HELLP Syndrome, and eclampsia.
Brevard resident Alyssa Bass, a licensed mental health counselor, was used to supporting others through adversity. However, she did not expect to have a traumatic birth story of her own.
“I had several symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia, including headache, dizziness, swelling, and high blood pressure. As a first-time mom, I initially thought that my symptoms were typical in recovery. What I did not know is that postpartum preeclampsia can occur up to 6 weeks after birth, but most commonly in the first 7 days,” said Bass.
This is why Alyssa is the Mission Mom of this year’s Space Coast Promise Walk.
“I share my story to spread awareness of the later progression of preeclampsia and the importance of continuing to monitor to help others. It is so easy to get wrapped up in caring for our babies during postpartum, and it’s just as important to care for ourselves and our health along the way.”
“I, like Alyssa, did not have preeclampsia during pregnancy and had no knowledge of signs and symptoms or that it could happen after delivery. It was only after I experienced a severe headache and two seizures (eclampsia) that I learned about this serious condition,” said Danielle Babcock Sapienza, Preeclampsia Foundation Education and Support Manager.
“Seeking more information about my traumatic pregnancy experience, I turned to the Foundation and the Promise Walk as a source of hope, information, and support.” Sapienza continued.
“While there is currently no cure for preeclampsia, the Foundation’s Promise Walk helps ensure every expectant woman is aware of the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia and what to report to her care provider,” said Preeclampsia Foundation Director of Communications Laney Poye. “By bringing the Promise Walk here, we highlight the impact it has on real families in our community while supporting a great cause.”
According to the CDC, high blood pressure during pregnancy is seen in one in every 12 to 17 women ages 20 to 44 in the United States. Preeclampsia, which is characterized by high blood pressure and organ failure, occurs in around one in 25 pregnancies.
Other symptoms may include hand and face swelling, 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 Foundation focuses a portion of its mission on funding research to better understand the cause and find a cure for preeclampsia. Currently the only cure for the condition begins with delivery of the baby and the placenta. For that reason, preeclampsia is a leading cause of premature birth, often resulting in extended stays for the baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Walk-up registrations will also be accepted on the day of the Promise Walk event, but pre-registration is encouraged by signing up at the Promise Walk website. To volunteer at the walk, contact julie.melitas@preeclampsia.org.
About the Preeclampsia Foundation
The Preeclampsia Foundation is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2000 to improve the outcomes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy by educating, supporting, and engaging the community, improving healthcare practices, and finding a cure. Through national events like the Promise Walk for Preeclampsia, the Foundation highlights the epidemic of maternal mortality and morbidity in the US. We envision a world where preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy no longer threaten the lives of mothers and babies.
For more information, visit www.preeclampsia.org.
