Dustin and Ashley’s Journey for Baby McCulloch

MEMPHIS, TN (US)
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Created 2 years ago
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Fertility Treatments

Dustin and Ashley’s Journey for Baby McCulloch

by Ashley McCulloch

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  • $6,000.00

    Fundraiser Goal
  • $755.00

    Funds Raised
  • 0

    Days to go
$755.00 raised of $6,000.00 Goal
The campaign is successful.
MEMPHIS, TN (US)

Ashley McCulloch is organizing this fundraiser.

Campaign Story

The day I married Dustin, I thought I could never want anything more. We are quite literally best friends. Belly laughs every night. Knowing each other more than we know ourselves. As cliché as it is, he is my rock. The thing that keeps my head above water when I get in my own way. He is going to be an amazing father. There was a moment that I looked over at him, and imagined him holding a little one, our little one, in his arms, and I haven’t been able to look back since.

When Dustin and I decided it was time to start our own little family. We were convinced it’d be easy. Well, we were wrong. We tried for about a year before anything happened. I got that positive test. Finally, we were going to be parents. I immediately started dreaming about this little thing growing inside me. Unfortunately, before we could ever get a first scan, I miscarried. During this time we had watched a few friends and family struggle with infertility. And because of that, we decided to start seeing doctors. My gynecologist referred me to a fertility clinic. Each visit with the doctor felt like a college class (which, I loved honestly.) I learned so much about the human body. Haha

We found that I had a few issues, endometriosis which caused endometriomas on one of my ovaries. If you don’t know, endometriosis is not curable, and causes endometrial tissue that grows in the uterus is found growing outside in abdominal cavity. It can cause very heavy and painful periods. I also had low vitamin D, and elevated thyroid hormones. We also found that Dustin had low testosterone, and a severely low sperm count due to that. Dual infertility. It felt like a gut punch but, we soldiered on.

I was put on medication for thyroid and had surgery to remove the endometriosis and endometriomas. They found that my left tube, ovary, and bowel were all stuck together with adhesions. They cleaned it all out, and found that my right ovary and tube are perfect, but my left tube is partially blocked. And with every cycle I have from here on out the endometriosis can grow back.

Dustin was referred to a urologist that specializes in male infertility. He’s been on a medication called clomid for about the months, and on every vitamin known to man. We have follow ups for that soon. And if results are good, we will be moving to IUI as soon as we can. We’re hopeful that works, and IVF won’t be in our cards.

Fertility treatments can be emotionally exhausting, and expensive. I have a hard time asking for help. More of a do it on my own kinda girl. But the desire of wanting a little one requires me to fight harder, and realize that I have to set aside my pride. We asking for help paying for these treatments and procedures if you find it on your heart, and have the means to do so. We appreciate every penny, and word of encouragement that we receive. Please, please, please, do not feel pressured to donate. Maybe instead share our story in hopes that it might help another hopeful parent feel not so alone. 

Thank you for taking the time to read or story. We love each and every one of you.

  • 05-25-2022

    Change of Plans - IVF is in the cards

    We've gotten news we really didn't want to hear. Doctors are recommending we do IVF rather than spending money on IUI. IVF is much much more expensive, but we are determined to make this happen. We took a few days to feel the feels, and now we are ready for the fight. Thank you to everyone that has been a source of support and love for us through this journey! We can not even remotely begin to express to you how much it has meant to us to know the people we have in our corner. We love all of you.

Name Donation Date
Carolyn Williams $45.00 May 20, 2022
Michael Dockery $50.00 May 10, 2022
Kendall Olinger $20.00 May 02, 2022
Brandon Barrentine $250.00 May 01, 2022
Damon Xanthopoulos $100.00 May 01, 2022
Kendra Felix $50.00 May 01, 2022
Ethan Whited $20.00 April 28, 2022
Anonymous $100.00 April 28, 2022
Ashley Wilson $100.00 April 28, 2022
Tia Smith $20.00 April 27, 2022
Damon Xanthopoulos commented with a $100 donation about 2 years ago
I’m personally staunchly anti-kid, but I think anyone who wants to deal with their sticky hands and constant questions should have them! Good luck to you both!
Kendra Felix commented with a $50 donation about 2 years ago
You got this! Excited to watch your journey from afar.
Ethan Whited commented with a $20 donation about 2 years ago
Love you sissy
Ashley Wilson commented with a $100 donation about 2 years ago
We love you guys and wish you all the best. Hugs from The (better) Wilson’s!!!
Tia Smith commented with a $20 donation about 2 years ago
I wish I could donate more! Just in a tight spot right now! I’ll be thinking of you all ?