Campaign Story

Hi, we are Tennille and Mike!

We met at an oyster bar through mutual friends. That night, they were there to forget about their troubles, but we ended up so lost in conversation that we forgot about everything else. From that evening forward, our connection was undeniable.

Thirteen years later, that spark has grown into a life we are incredibly proud of. We’ve supported each other through milestones big and small; finishing university, navigating career changes and promotions, and encouraging one another in both personal and professional growth. Together, we’ve faced the hard work of breaking through past trauma and building a stronger foundation for our future. We celebrated buying our first home, and along the way, we chose each other again and again, knowing we are each other’s forever through thick and thin.

From the very beginning, we knew we belonged together, but we also wanted to give ourselves time to grow as young adults and as partners. When we married in the spring of 2021, we carried with us the joy of that journey and the hope of starting a family. After trying naturally without success, we turned to science to help make our dream of becoming parents possible.

In late 2022, we began fertility treatments at our first clinic and completed three IUI cycles, with our last attempt in early 2024. After that, I decided to pause treatment to focus on my mental health, though we continued trying naturally.

In April 2025, we began working with a new clinic. By that time, my ovarian reserve had declined compared to earlier tests. My first IVF (Antagonist protocol) in July 2025 was unsuccessful after egg retrieval. Although the outcome was heartbreaking, the cycle provided valuable insight into my egg quality. We are now preparing to move forward with a microdose flare protocol.

This path has not been easy. There have been many moments of heartbreak and uncertainty, but it has also revealed our strength. We’ve learned how to balance hope with resilience, and how to keep moving forward even when faced with setbacks. Most importantly, this journey has strengthened our marriage and deepened our gratitude for the love and support we’ve received from family, close friends, and colleagues.

We remain committed, hopeful, and determined to grow our family. Every challenge has only confirmed how much we want to share our love with a child, and we are ready to continue this journey with the same resilience, faith, and devotion that have carried us through the last thirteen years together.