Words can’t describe the total shock and awe I felt at the Champions for Change Summit I attended on behalf of the HER Foundation, October 18-20, 2019. For years, I believed that women were either sick like me, specifically with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), or that they must have had a wonderful pregnancy. My time at the Summit changed that view.
I met women who had traumatic experiences during pregnancy, labor & delivery, and/or post-partum. I learned that 700 women each year will DIE in the United States of America due to childbearing/childbirth/postpartum complications. As a hyperemesis gravidarum survivor, I endured a painfully slow, yet steadily sustained level of trauma throughout my pregnancy.
I fundraised my way to the event through the generosity of friends and family. The HER Foundation Board of Directors approved a small stipend to help attend the Summit, but I did not want to take away from the work being done for HG. My fundraising covered my trip and allowed me to make a donation with the extra I raised.
The HER Foundation is making big strides, and I am proud to be a volunteer who is making a difference!
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