In this episode of Power of MoMMAs Voices, we have a special episode to commemorate Amniotic Fluid Embolism Awareness Day. Nicole Purnell interviews Miranda Klassen, an AFE survivor and the founder and executive director of the Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) Foundation. Her passion for raising awareness of AFE was created from her own experience, which she shares in this podcast. She also explains the mission of the AFE Foundation and some of the life-changing programs that the foundation is involved with including, education, research, the AFE registry (which is the largest in the world), and support groups. “We do a lot of things to support our community. They're so very special to us,” said Miranda. Miranda also discusses meaningful volunteerism and the role that MoMMAs Voices plays. The conversation concludes with a discussion of AFE Awareness Day and the tradition of lighting a candle on March 27th.
“We as a community embrace one another, despite whatever the outcome is, where we have grievers and survivors that get together…” (Miranda)
“I think some of the biggest wins we've had have been having a space where families can go and have hope.” (Miranda)
“…being able to connect with others that really understand the shoes that you're walking in. They've worn their own. They've worn them down. There might be on their second pair. But they understand what it's like.” (Nicole)
About MoMMAs Voices
MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.
