| Leah & Kyle | Our Journey with IVF

As many of you already know, Kyle & I have been on a long journey towards having children. The bumps in the road have been many and each has been discouraging. Going on five years now, we've continued to stay positive and make every effort possible towards conceiving and bringing a child into this world. My battle with endometriosis has made this journey a difficult and painful one. Five years and four surgeries later, we finally decided we needed “second opinions” from several doctors. Our previous doctors would continue to tell us that our odds of conceiving were 25% each month, just like normal couples. In September, after a trip to the ER, we went to a new gynecologist. Though her news wasn't one that brought joy, it did bring clarity. IVF was recommended as being our only real shot at conceiving and on October 21st we had that information confirmed by a specialist in reproductive medicine. With stage 4 endometriosis our chances of conceiving are 2-3% each month. With IVF our chances jump to 65%!

This brings us to the present: our journey in IVF to have a child! For those of you who do not know, IVF is an elaborate and expensive procedure. For two months my body is prepped for the release of the amount of eggs one usually produces in an entire year. Those eggs are then harvested and fertilized. When the time is right, they will place 1-2 eggs back into my uterus for implantation. The additional eggs are frozen for future attempts and having more children. The procedure/process costs $6,500 base price. The medicines that will be used to prepare my body can cost around $3,000-$4,000. We will be seeking financial assistance through loans. However, we do want to allow the opportunity for our loved ones to contribute.

“Be fruitful and multiply.” I've heard it all my life growing up in my wonderful Christian home. I learned that having children is one of the best blessings a person can experience. During our journey towards having children of our own, I've had to stay strong and keep the Faith. Satan has tried his best to get in the way and bring me down. By the Grace of God, I’ve stood tall and kept on. I continue to thank the Lord for what I have and what He has already promised me! “Ask and you shall receive!” I’ve been asking and the time is near.