The Salazar IVF Journey: It Takes a Village

In September 2014, just weeks after their wedding day, Andrea and Carlos (A&C) discovered that they would be welcoming their first child, Cruz - AKA Cruzie James - Salazar into the world in 2015! With their lifelong dream of adding to their already large and loving family, they hoped to conceive just as effortlessly in 2016. 2016 passed with no sign of the positive pregnancy test they had prayed persistently for all year. After 3 and a half years of tracking cycles and praying endlessly, A&C entered a world they never anticipated knowing: infertility. They learned the term “secondary infertility” in 2019 for the very first time. To put it simply: secondary infertility is the inability to become pregnant or carry a baby to term after successfully doing so previously. They would learn that the most common causes for this condition, to name a few, are: fallopian tube damage, endometriosis, and complications related to prior surgeries and/or pregnancies. After countless doctor’s visits, procedures and tests, they learned that all of the above factors were contributing to their new reality. A&C had their first consultation with infertility specialists at the well known Jones Institute at EVMS in December 2019. This would be the first of a series of appointments, virtual/phone visits (thank you, COVID), tests and bloodwork to determine their most effective path forward. After several discussions with an incredible team of EVMS specialists, they have decided to pursue the option with the highest likelihood of successfully completing their family: in vitro fertilization (IVF). As many of you know - whether you’ve experienced it personally or know someone who has - IVF can certainly be a tough, but worthwhile journey. You’ve also likely heard that IVF is not necessarily an affordable option for all. As Virginia is one of the many states that does not require insurance companies to cover infertility treatments, most plans do not. One cycle of IVF - which includes a number of procedures and medications for successful fertilization - can result in an out of pocket cost of over $25,000, and many couples require multiple cycles. We are determined not to let a high price-tag discourage this sweet family from pursuing an opportunity they so much desire and deserve. With the continued support of their closest family and friends, an exceptional team of EVMS specialists, and an unwavering faith in God’s plan for them, A&C will start their IVF journey in August 2020. We are asking - if you are in a position to do so - for you to make a donation to our Go Fund Me page to help make this family of 3’s dream of 4 come true. Any contribution makes a huge impact and is so appreciated. We love you so much, A&C and Cruzie James, we are all praying for a positive test soon!