Campaign Story

Hi everyone,
My name is Olivia, and I’m reaching out as Carissa’s best friend. With the blessing of Carissa and her husband Jose, a group of us have come together to alleviate some of the financial burden they face on their journey through IVF. Carissa and Jose are not ones to ask for help, which makes it all the more important for us, their close friends, to step up during this challenging time. We’ve decided to organize a Glowing Star Fundraiser to support them. Here’s how you can make a difference: for each donation made to Carissa and Jose’s Fundraiser, we’ll create a Glowing Star with the donor’s name. Once all donations are collected, these stars will be lovingly displayed in their future baby’s nursery, serving as a heartwarming reminder of all those who helped brighten their path. Your contribution may seem like a small gesture, but to Carissa and Jose, it’s a beacon of hope and love during a difficult journey. Thank you for helping light up their world.

With Carissa and Jose’s permission to talk openly of their journey this is how it began. At the age of 15 Carissa learned she was pregnant even though this was not the plan she had for herself she did know that one day she would have a big family like she always dreamed of, sadly Carissa’s pregnancy ended tragically in an accident at 15 weeks, Heart Broken she carried on, just 2 short years later Carissa found out she was Pregnant again, Although with many complications throughout the pregnancy Carissa gave birth to her son Jordan, the start of her big family, so she thought. Life took a beautiful turn in 2018 when she met Jose, and they became inseparable. in 2020 Carissa learned she was again pregnant she was so excited her family was growing. at her 6wk Ob appointment the Doctor informed Carissa and Jose that their babies heart was weak, Carissa spent hours researching everything she could do to strengthen her babies heart but despite all efforts at her 9wk scan she got the devastating news that her baby no longer had a heart beat. I seen her Heart shatter once again. in 2023 Shortly After Jose and Carissa’s Engagement, to her surprise another positive test, Nervous but hopeful Carissa’s 1st scan went well which brought more hope. at her second visit, a little over 10wks, It only took seeing the Look on the Doctors Face for her to know the news wasn’t good, Another we’re so sorry but there’s no heart beat. Determined to find answers, they had a Chromosome analysis test done to see what went wrong but when the results came back reporting a healthy baby boy, this left Carissa with so much guilt as if it was her fault. Carissa and Jose pursued fertility treatments, with Carissa diagnosed with unexplained secondary infertility with recurrent pregnancy loss.
in 2024 shortly after Jose and Carissa got married they jumped right into treatments December brought on their first IUI, January Brought their second and February their 3RD. After Three failed IUI’S, which added to their financial strain they felt their chance at having a big family slipping away. Now, they face the high costs of IVF with limited insurance support, totaling about $20,000 out of pocket. Their story is one of enduring love and unwavering hope as they navigate the challenges of fertility treatments to achieve their dream family. we ask for support, for hope and prayers even if a donation isn’t feasible a share of their story helps all the same.