Seattle - June 17, 2005 — The Preeclampsia Foundation today announced it is hosting its 2^nd Annual Conference, entitled “Beyond Preeclampsia: Our Health, Our Lives”, on August 10-12, 2005, at the Oglebay Resort & Conference Center in Wheeling, West Virginia.

The conference will offer preeclampsia survivors an opportunity to meet others similarly affected, to learn from medical experts about the ongoing health challenges associated with the disorder, and to discover ways to make a difference in the lives of the 200,000 American women affected each year by preeclampsia. Organizational training, roundtables, and personal healing will also be focuses of the three-day conference. A concurrent children’s program will be offered to allow adults to fully participate in the meeting sessions.

Preeclampsia is not a “transitory disease” as previously believed. Five percent of women who suffer from it experience serious complications immediately postpartum. Preeclampsia can also unmask underlying health problems, such as hypertension or autoimmune disorders; it may be passed onto our children; and preeclampsia is now considered a serious risk factor for women’s heart disease, a factor as relevant as smoking.

“Some women report to us that they are never the same ­– many struggle with ongoing challenges that seemed to start when they had preeclampsia,” said Anne Garrett, founder and a spokesperson for the organization. “Recent research now proves we were right.”

Conference organizers invite all those affected by preeclampsia to register at www.preeclampsia.org or by calling (800) 665-9341. The block of rooms at the resort will only be held until July 10, 2005.

As a leading cause of maternal illness and death, preeclampsia affects almost one in 12 pregnancies, or more than 6 million births annually. Preeclampsia is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, and can be deadly to mother and baby.

The Preeclampsia Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2000. Its purpose is to reduce maternal and infant illness and death due to preeclampsia by supporting innovative research, raising public awareness, and helping women access safe reproductive technology, support and care. More information is available at www.preeclampsia.org or (800) 665-9341.