Why can't you just get over it?

I was once asked this question in response to my talking about preeclampsia.

"Why can't you just get over it? "

To be honest, I was shocked at the question and really taken aback. Why should my passion for preeclampsia awareness be any different from someone who supports their favorite charity that hits close to their home? Just because I'm not pregnant anymore? After I thought about it, I was very upset and disappointed that I was asked this question.

Getting over preeclampsia would be a lovely idea. Really, it would. But this condition has affected our lives in a major way. Ariana was born 5 weeks early and spent two weeks in the hospital. Leaving the hospital without your baby is a horrible feeling and one I hope I never feel again. Phoenix's pregnancy was affected as well, but thankfully we made it to term with him. Both my babies were smaller at birth, and that may be caused by placental issues to do the hypertension. My daughter faces a risk of developing preeclampsia when and if she chooses to have children of her own. I now face other health concerns from having had preeclampsia. Due to my own health, and the future health of Ariana, I will not get over it.

The thing is is that we were amazingly lucky. We have two children who were able to come home. Countless other parents do not have their children here with them, they are angels now. There are too many babies lost to just simply get over it. Moms are lost too. Shelly and Anne were moms who loved their babies and unfortunately left them too soon due to preeclampsia. Because of the lost babies & moms, I will not get over it.

Preeclampsia is a condition that affects up to 8% of all pregnancies. That may not seem like alot, but I bet if you ask around you will most likely know someone who was affected with something in the spectrum of preeclampsia. PE is the leading known cause of prematurity. It is unknown what causes PE, and the only cure is delivery.

The organization that I am involved with is doing something to raise awareness, fund research, and better educate health care personnel. Preeclampsia is starting to be in the news more, and exciting research is being done on development of a test for PE. Fighting preeclampsia is a priority in my life, and I will do whatever I can to increase awareness and assist in this battle.

So, no. I cannot just get over it. Not until preeclampsia doesn't exist anymore. When there is a time that my daughter doesn't have to have a chance to experience this condition. I refuse to get over it.