Breaking down financial barriers on the path to parenthood

I could never imagine myself not being a mother. I always wanted a large family of my own. I'm one of seven children, my mother is one of nine, and her mother was one of 13. When I met my husband Michael and we settled into our life together more than 16 years ago, we expected our family would grow, and we were thrilled when I became pregnant.

As we prepared for the baby, a fire destroyed our home. Michael and I were sitting in our charred bedroom deciding how we were going to repair everything before the baby arrived, when the phone rang. I heard the nurse say, “I'm sorry but your numbers have suddenly dropped.” I was looking over at my husband when I responded, “Oh they have…?” She continued “Your pregnancy is terminating..” and asked that I come back for another blood test. I handed the phone to my husband and tears rolled down my face. I could not breath… I don't remember much else of our conversation other than hearing the words “miscarriage” and “heavy bleeding in the coming days.” Because from the moment I heard her voice, everything, including the days after, became a blur.

My journey with infertility continued for the next 12 years. I experienced fertility drugs, in vitro fertilization, miscarriages, and more. So much more. The extraordinary costs, the pain, the stress and the social isolation. As I went through my highs and lows, I found myself inspired as I reached out to and supported others who were on the same journey.

I had found my passion. In 2019, Michael and I founded Gift of Parenthood, a cause-driven platform dedicated to helping families and individuals struggling with infertility achieve their dreams of becoming parents. Through innovative fundraising tools, fertility assistance grants, and educational resources, we are committed to supporting those on their journey to parenthood. Our mission is to break down financial barriers, raise awareness, and foster hope for those feeling alone on their path to parenthood.