Supporting the 2013 Strollerthon so other moms don't suffer

I don't remember many of the milestones of my daughter's first year.

The first time she sat up? No clue. Her first solid food? Don't know. Her first word? Probably "dada." Certainly not "mama."

I wasn't there.

I was in and out of psychiatric hospitals at the time. For Thanksgiving. Christmas. For the first snow, I was found half dead in a hotel. While at the hospital on Valentine's Day, I received flowers delivered in plastic container. No glass vases are allowed on a locked psychiatry ward.

Around the time of my hospitalizations, Postpartum Education and Support, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the emotional wellness of mothers, was founded.

Their mission is to offer support for mothers and their families, provide resources for health care providers, and heighten public awareness of perinatal mood disorders. Had I known about them at the time, maybe I would have been around for more of my daughter's first milestones.

Maybe they'll help your daughter or friend one day?

Join me to help support their cause at their 2013 Strollerthon. The two-mile walk begins at 9 a.m., Saturday, at Fred G Bond Metro Park in Cary. After the walk, stay for children's games, face painting, food, exhibit tables and more, including a raffle.

My daughter is too big for a stroller, but that won't keep us away.