The making of baby Rodriguez

My name is Melanie, 30 and I, along with my boyfriend Tye, 29 are here to share our story and ask for your help with making our baby Rodriguez. For years I have dreamed of having a big family, but due to ongoing disappointments from health issues natural conception is both near impossible and would be extremely risky for myself. For the both of us it is important that we exhaust all options of having our own biological child before moving on to adoption. After having multiple procedures and surgeries done, seeing numerous obstetricians, a perinatologist, and a fertility specialist; it was determined that we only have a 4% chance of getting pregnant on our own. With the other medical issues I have, the perinatologist suggested that we do not use fertility medications due to the possibility of multiples. He recommended that we do not get pregnant at this point and stop trying because the risks of pregnancy will outweigh the benefit. As hard as that was to accept, we agree completely with the recommendations and have opted to use in-vitro and surrogacy. The money raised will go towards the medical expenses including the egg retrieval, egg freezing, in vitro fertilization, and surrogacy.

I work full time as a Medical Assistant in Dermatology and Tye is a full-time student at UW-Milwaukee working towards a degree in civil engineering. We have been trying to save money, but because of my ongoing medical bills year after year we are in need of help. At a young age I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and had a total colectomy at age 6.  In 2004, I was diagnosed with another auto-immune disorder called Ankylosing Spondylitis, a form of inflammatory arthritis. In 2005, I had surgery to remove my right fallopian tube due to problems caused by the first major surgery at age 6. Then in 2010, I had a blood clot in my right arm. Because of these medical issues I have had to be on strong medications that aren’t safe in pregnancy and have had medical bills stack up year after year without relief. I have had to give up many dreams in the past because of my health conditions, but I refuse to let my biggest dream of being a mother go. With all of these obstacles I have managed to stay as positive in life. Although this hasn’t been easy, Tye has stuck by my side and helps me keep my spirits high every day. Watching and knowing him care for me day in and day out the way he does, makes me want this dream to come true now more than ever.

Tye and I would greatly appreciate any support you are able to give us. God Bless.