Campaign Story

Hello, my name is Jennifer. I am happily married to my husband Edward, we have been married 14 years. Medical issues have stopped me from achieving my dream of completing our family with a baby.

To begin, 13 years ago medical issues started to ruin my dream. Edward and I had plans for a baby, but cancer had other plans. Through many medical problems came many others. Because squamous cell carcinoma (cancer). By the time the cancer was discovered I was given 2 weeks to live. I had to undergo several operations which were all considered life threatening, and I spent 5 months in the hospital to recover from my life saving 18 hour surgery. I also had to complete radiation treatments, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and all types of physical therapy. After the surgery, I was left without having a voice, and having to find new ways to communicate. I had to get a feeding tube ( feeding tube placed in the stomach) because of my esophagus closing from the cancer due to scar tissue complications. For those who don’t know, the feeding tube was a necessity for me to survive. Without my feeding tube, I wouldn’t been able to get any nutrients, or medications in my body to keep me going. This feeding tube was a savior. However, last year I was finally able to find a doctor who was willing to do experimental surgery on my esophagus. I decided to go onward with this experimental surgery to reconstruct my esophagus. The surgery was successful! Now 13 years later, as of last year I am now able to eat and drink liquids all by mouth. Since then the feeding tube has been removed. And I have been cleared by my doctors to pursue my dream of having a baby.

Furthermore, it is great to hear we can try for a baby, but with IVF our only option it is just out of our financial range. We have gone through our savings, trying to catch up on past medical bills. Medical bills are still a burden in our life. We have checked our insurance policy, and unfortunately our insurance, like most, does not cover any fertility cost.

We feel we are so close to our long awaited journey, but we just need a little extra help to complete our dream of a baby. Any help would be much appreciated. Also, when we are able to, we would like to have the pleasure in helping others with their journey.