My cousin, Laurie Bardon Syphard, organized a walk for Postpartum Progress called Climb Out Baltimore, which took place last Saturday in a suburban Baltimore Park, raising more than $15,000 for the organization. I told her I'd photograph the event to show my support of her and the cause that she has passionately dedicated herself to in the past several months.
Laurie suffered postpartum anxiety and postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder following the birth of her daughter Adelaide, above, who will turn 4 in September. It was a difficult time, but she told me the organization really helped her cope with everything she was going through, and she really just genuinely wanted to give back and make people aware that this isn't just baby blues, it's a disorder, and people can get help if they are given the right options and taken seriously by doctors and family members.
She has been an impressive spokeswoman for this walk, for both the local team she helped organize, as well as the national concept of the walk. She went on a local Baltimore TV station talking about her own personal story with some really personal details, and spoke with other media outlets as well, including The Baltimore Sun, who made an appearance at the walk itself. I couldn't be more proud of her for standing up for herself and these other incredible "warrior moms," (as they so affectionately call each other), to bring awareness to this problem affecting new mothers. She has gone above and beyond for this organization to really make a difference.
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| Laurie, middle right above, and bottom left below. |
