Katie Galteland

In the U.S the maternal death rate is increasing even as it decreases in other developed countries and 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely. Despite our resources and research, we're behind other developed nations when it comes to the health of moms and babies and we need to do better.

For those who are unfamiliar with my story I developed both Pre-Eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome with my first pregnancy. Both of these conditions could have killed me if left untreated and so I was induced at 35 weeks in order to save my life. Luckily I was under the care of an incredible midwife pracitce who were able to see the warning signs and send me to a very highly rated research hospital where I was given an incredible level of care. My son, who was then born at 35 gestation, was admitted to the NICU where he was also cared for extremely well. We were so fortunate in both how far along in I was in my pregnancy when I developed these conditions and in the exceptional care we recieved. Many women and babies are not so fortunate.  

This year I am walking with 'Team Knapstein' headed by my dear friend Jamie Knapstein. This beautiful strong woman lost her first twins, Ava and Addison, due to preterm labor. A year later her twins Isla and Aubrey were delivered early and both in the NICU for over a month. Most recently her third daughter Everly was also premature and spent several weeks in the NICU.  Her resiliance is unparraleled. Jamie and her husband have endured so much in building their family and I am honored to walk alongside them this year as we raise money for this worthy cause. 

Please join with me and support March of Dimes as they fight for the health of all moms and babies.