Saving Grace

Last winter, a tragedy happened to a dear friend, Jaime Twenty-seven weeks into her pregnancy, she began to feel ill and went to the emergency room. There, she discovered she was suffering from preeclampsia. She gave birth to a baby girl, Grace, and nearly died.

Eight days, 12 hours and 35 minutes later, Grace passed away.

I remember how heartbroken for Jaime I felt when I got the call that Grace hadn't made it. I didn't realize until recently that Jaime had nearly died herself.

Jaime now does work for the Preeclampsia Foundation. This spring the organization is holding a 5K race to raise money for the foundation. And on Nov. 11 there will be a Preeclampsia Foundation banquet in Grace's memory -- Saving Grace: A Night of Hope.

If you are pregnant or know someone who is, please make yourself aware of the symptoms of Preeclampsia. Every year it claims the lives of 50,000 mothers, and those who survive are eight times more likely to suffer from a heart attack.

You can read Jaime's story for yourself (you'll need a Kleenex) and/or make a donation to the Foundation. Regardless, please remember Jaime and Joe in your prayers as they near the anniversary of Grace's death.