Samantha Paige White

I still think about how lucky we were. Not every family gets that same chance — but they should…. On December 14, 2020, my husband and I welcomed our first child into the world nearly 1 month earlier than expected. I was diagnosed with HELLP syndrome, a very rare and life-threatening type of preeclampsia - among 8% of pregnant women with preeclampsia, only 15% will develop HELLP syndrome. The only way to save both of us was through an emergency c-section. I remember feeling so stunned, because my entire pregnancy was so healthy and I had never heard of this condition… Four years later - I’ve found myself working at the March of Dimes as Director of Evaluation for national programs. One of the programs includes the “Low Dose, Big Benefits” campaign, aiming to reduce preventable maternal illness and death through universal preeclampsia risk assessments and low dose aspirin. I’m walking in March for Babies this year — not just as a mom, but as someone who’s working every day to make pregnancy and birth safer for everyone. If you’re able to, I’d love your support. Every dollar goes toward research, programs, and care that can truly save lives. Here’s my link to donate: https://www.marchforbabies.org/samantharpw