Campaign Story

Bryan and I (Kellie) were married in 2017 and have been together since 2010. In April 2011, I suffered a stroke and have had chronic daily migraines since. Shortly after we were married, we met with multiple doctors to determine the risks for having children because of my stroke. We were fortunate to get a positive pregnancy test soon after but suffered an early miscarriage.

After months and months of trying, we were referred to a fertility specialist. Our first IUI attempt in October 2019 was successful and we were pregnant, unfortunately at 9 weeks, the baby no longer had a heartbeat.

After a few months, in March 2020, we attempted IUI again. This time we were also successful and were pregnant with quintuplets! It was the start of COVID and Bryan had to sit in the car for all appointments which was extremely difficult, especially since the pregnancy was so complicated. Unfortunately, at 12 weeks, Baby A passed away and at 12.5 weeks, Baby B passed away from genetic disorders. The entire pregnancy was filled with minor complications, all related to the passing of Baby A and Baby B. At just 25 weeks, 4 days (08.30.20), our three boys, Christopher (1lb.2oz.), Brayden (1lb.7oz.) and Zachary (1lb.8oz.), decided to make their arrival. While still in the operating room, we learned that Christopher had passed away after just 37 minutes of life, as his lungs were just not developed enough. A few minutes later, the head of the NICU came up and told us that they were doing everything they could to save Brayden but that he had a bleed in his lung that they couldn’t control. We were holding onto hope and positivity that he would pull-through. After 1 hour, 37 minutes, Brayden sadly went to be with Christopher. We then spent our lives in the NICU on a roller coaster as Zachary had 6 chest tubes, was septic a few times and fought harder than anyone. Unfortunately, on 09.26.20, Zachary passed away and joined Christopher and Brayden.

While we never could have imagined this outcome, it is our reality. We know the NICU team did everything that they could to save our boys and are forever grateful. We have spent every day since trying to make our boys proud and remain as positive as possible. I was fortunate to be able to donate 75,000mL of milk to a NICU baby whose mom could not produce milk and for research.

Even though we will never be emotionally or physically ready, we knew that we must continue to try to give Christopher, Brayden and Zachary a sibling. All of our doctors have recommended IVF with genetic testing to try to avoid more devastation. We completed our first egg retrieval in May 2021 but unfortunately, all embryos were abnormal. Because of the results, the doctor suggested trying exploratory laparoscopic surgery to see if I had endometriosis even though I had no symptoms. In July 2021, I had the surgery and found out that I had Stage 3 Endometriosis. The doctor recommended trying IVF ASAP because the endometriosis was cleared, but unfortunately, it was postponed because I developed three infections related to the surgery that lasted about three months.

In May 2022, we were excited to find out that we were pregnant, but at a routine ultrasound appointment, the baby had no heartbeat and I had to have another D&C. This added to the emotional toll that this has taken on us. To date, we have lost a total of 8 babies, 5 first trimester miscarriages plus Christopher, Brayden and Zachary after birth. We would love to try again, and all of our doctors have recommended IVF with genetic testing to try to avoid any more devastation. We would be incredibly thankful to anyone who is willing to help us achieve our dreams. One thing this journey has taught us is that there are so many wonderful people in this world. If there is any extra money left over, we will use it to help another family in our situation.

Thank you for your consideration.
Bryan and Kellie