A MESSAGE FROM Anna Whelan's Race for Maternal Health!
As a mom to a premature baby, a preeclampsia survivor and Maternal-Fetal Medicine doctor I am thrilled to be running the NYC Marathon in November for Every Mother Counts!
In 2022, I was preparing to deliver my second child. At 29 weeks I noticed worsening swelling and a severe headache. I was lucky enough to have a blood pressure cuff at home. I checked my blood pressure and was shocked to see how high it was. I knew in that moment that I had preeclampsia - a disease of pregnancy that is one of the leading causes of prematurity and maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. My privilege as an OBGYN provided me with the knowledge and advocacy to get immediate care. I ultimately became sick enough that my colleagues recommended delivery at 31 weeks. My son was born weighing only 3 lbs and spent 47 days in the NICU. It was the hardest challenge I have ever faced, and I was lucky. Owen is a thriving, daredevil of a toddler.
I am dedicated to not only using my experience to enhance the way I care for my patients, but also as a vehicle to continue to advocate and raise money to improve access to care for all pregnant people. During my OBGYN residency in Chicago, IL and MFM fellowship in Providence, RI I directly witnessed the impact healthcare disparities on maternal and child health. The systemic barriers to care, racism and inequity that fill our current healthcare system and country.
Every Mother Counts is a 501(3)c charity which provides funding and support for organizations which work to improve access to respectful, equitable maternity care in the U.S. and across the globe. They have invested more than 24 million dollars in to support local, women-led organizations and ultimately improved care for over 1,000,000 individuals.
Your support helps stories like mine have a happy ending and over 85 cents of every dollar goes directly to the programs supported through Every Mother Counts!
