Every day, hundreds of families face the unexpected diagnosis of preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome. With the diagnosis comes uncertainty, fear, frustration, and anger. When they turn for answers and information, they find the Preeclampsia Foundation and our community.

That’s probably how you got here too.

One of the most important ways that families can connect with the Foundation and other families like theirs is through the in-person Promise Walk for Preeclampsia events, a walk-a-thon to raise funds and awareness for preeclampsia education and research. Participants can register a team, invite friends and families, and fundraise to help others like them through our mission. These events take place in dozens of locations each year.

Did you know that all of the Promise Walks are organized by community volunteers like you, and supported by our staff? That’s why we need you – to help us bring community, education, and awareness to your town.

So what does it take to be a walk chair?

1. Passion for the mission. You care that others like you have a place to land when preeclampsia, eclampsia, or HELLP syndrome hits them out of the blue. You know that the best thing we can do is ensure that every woman knows the signs and symptoms – but it starts in our local communities.
2. Organization skills. If you can plan a birthday party, you can plan a Promise Walk! Working with our staff, you’ll select a date and location in your community, think about local community support, then start spreading the word about the event. Our staff team will guide you every step of the way to help secure sponsors and outreach to the local community for support. We provide training on how to put together all the details for the event.

How much time will it take?

Most Promise Walk events happen in two parts of the year, Spring (May/June) and Fall (September/October). Planning for the events generally starts about six months before the event to set the date, secure a location, and start advertising to the local community. In the early months, you’ll likely only need a few hours each month to plan and coordinate. As you get closer to the day of the event, it may require a couple hours a week.

What does a Promise Walk look like?

We provide all the training you need to on how to do the day-of event set up. The basic components of a Promise Walk include a place to hold an opening ceremony (often including a welcome, a patient story, and a local obstetrics or cardiology provider), a space for attendees to walk, and family-friendly activities and vendors/sponsors.

How to get started

Please fill out the below interest form to connect with a member of our Promise Walk team. She will chat about your area, your interests, and how we can get started bringing preeclampsia awareness to YOUR community!