The annual Promise Walk for Preeclampsia will be held on Saturday, May 16, at the Cocoa Village Civic Center, 430 Delannoy Avenue in Cocoa, Florida. The event starts at 8:45 a.m. and ends at noon. It is organized by advocates for the Preeclampsia Foundation, a U.S.-based nonprofit focused on improving outcomes for hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. The walk is part of a nationwide effort to address a condition that affects 5-8% of pregnancies in the country.
The Preeclampsia Foundation’s local chapter has held the event for over a decade. This year’s walk includes guest speakers, raffle prizes, and children’s activities. Breakfast items will be available for attendees. The Robinson family, who live in Cocoa, is serving as the event’s ‘Mission Family,’ a role that involves helping coordinate volunteer efforts and community outreach.
The event aims to connect families with local resources while raising money for research. Last year’s walk raised over $25,000 for the foundation. Organizers say the money helps fund education programs and medical studies. The walk also highlights the risks of preeclampsia, which can lead to premature births and complications for both mothers and babies.
Registration is open through the event’s website. Volunteers are needed for setup, registration, and cleanup. The Cocoa Village Civic Center is hosting the event for the third consecutive year. The space has been used for other community gatherings, including health fairs and job training workshops. The center’s manager said the facility is available at no cost to the foundation.