This video tells how the professionalism, alertness and special preparations by my physician anesthesiologists, Dr. Grace Lim and Dr. Nicole Higgins, helped save my life when an unpredictable and unpreventable AFE hit while delivering my newborn son Jacob.  I “coded” and had no heartbeat or blood pressure for 37 seconds.  My physician anesthesiologists reacted quickly, identifying the problem and implementing life saving measures to bring me back from the dead.

Having survived, and feeling grateful, I have recovered enough to speak, write and actively support research into this little-known but deadly condition. It is gratifying to see that their special attention to my unique circumstances has become the subject of the American Society of Anesthesiologists'(ASA) 2014/15 “When Seconds Count” public awareness campaign.

If you or someone you know has concerns about their pregnancy, I urge you to watch this video.  Learn what your anesthesiologist does for you.  Learn how these physicians keep you alive during procedures. And learn to be your own best advocate.  If you SENSE something, SAY something.  It could save your life; it saved mine.

Thanks to the efforts of organizations like the ASA and the  AFE Foundation, new work is being done to shed light on the ways AFE need not be a tragedy, killing or impairing nearly half the women it afflicts without warning.

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Special note: March 27 is AFE Awareness day.  Tshirt proceeds go to AFE research.  Wear yours proudly, and Thank You!   Click on the tshirt image below to order yours today.  Thanks!