Campaign Story

Hello, my name is Gretchen, and I am embarking on the beautiful journey of adoption as a single woman. With over 15 years of dedication to education, I’ve poured my heart and soul into my career, finding immense joy and purpose in shaping young minds. I am the middle child of three sisters and enjoy the role of an aunt to five incredible nieces, whom I hold close to my heart and treat as if they were my own.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a desire to become a mother. This dream has always burned brightly within me, and I’ve held steadfast confidence that one day I would cradle my own child in my arms. However, life had other plans, and I encountered obstacles along the way.

In the summer of 2018, I took the first step on my journey towards motherhood by seeking assistance from a fertility clinic to explore my options. Initially, I underwent three unsuccessful attempts at IUI. Determined, I persevered and ventured into the world of IVF, only to face another heartbreak as the procedure yielded no success. I remember the doctor informing me that out of the 11 eggs collected, only one had survived fertilization, and it too held no promise. Further evaluation revealed that I have PCOS (poly-cystic ovary syndrome), and the likelihood of recurrent miscarriages loomed over my path. The emotional and financial toll of these procedures was heartbreaking, with my fertility journey totaling $23,883.

I took a two-year hiatus before resuming my journey to become a mother. This time, I opted for an embryo transfer, recognizing that my own eggs were not viable. I adopted an embryo and underwent the transfer with hope in my heart. For 27 weeks, I celebrated in the anticipation that my dream of motherhood was finally coming true. However, in May of 2022, my world crumbled when I learned that my precious miracle no longer had a heartbeat. I felt as if my breath was taken from me. After three agonizing days of medical intervention to stimulate labor, I gave birth to my son, Isaiah. My dream had been realized for a fleeting moment, only to be shattered when I realized that I would not be able to take my baby home. The weight of that loss is indescribable.

Throughout this journey, I have walked this path alone, without a partner by my side. The financial strain has been immense, with over $48,000 spent on fertility treatments and an additional $12,000 invested in my adoption journey so far. Yet, my unwavering dream remains – to welcome a child into my life, to share in life’s joys and sorrows, and to provide a loving and nurturing home.

Through your donations, I hope to continue my journey towards motherhood, a journey filled with love, resilience, and unwavering determination. Thank you!