Black women are 3-5 times more likely to have a maternal death than white women in the United States.

I was nearly one of them.

This week is Black Maternal Health Week and I want to share my story with you.

When I was pregnant with my daughter Maddie, seven years ago, I experienced consistent shortness of breath. I was repeatedly dismissed and turned away.

Eventually, I refused to leave until they figured out what was wrong.

I was diagnosed with deep-vein thrombosis. But my insurance didn’t want to pay for the blood thinners I needed to stay alive.

On the brink of having a pulmonary embolism, I had to stay in hospital for two weeks.

Thankfully, I survived. But it was a close call -- and one I’ll never forget.

I wouldn’t give up the time I have with my two kids for the world, but I was nearly forced to. Getting life-saving medication covered was a huge struggle, and that was WITH health insurance.

As a Black mother, I’ve seen first hand how little big corporations value my life.

I’m running for Congress so others don’t have to go through that. Nobody should have a value put on their life like that. Health care is a right, period.

This week, I’m thinking of all those Black mothers who weren’t so lucky. Those who don’t get to cuddle up with their now-six year old daughter and watch action movies on a Friday night.

We need change. It can’t wait any longer.