Kiaora whanau,

As you already know, Toby and I have been trying to start a family for almost 4 years now, but getting pregnant has turned out to be way more challenging than we ever expected. we have had a few miscarriages along the way and have been diagnosed with the dreaded 'undiagnosed infertility" diagnosis given to many couples who struggle to conceive. This does not mean that we can't have a baby though, just that our path to parenthood is a longer one and we remain hopeful.

We have decided to do a round of IVF with the hope of having our first baby. As you know, most health insurance doesn't cover fertility treatment and it is very expensive in the US. Although we have found a clinic in New York that is cheaper and has more ethical prices than the rest, it is still a big financial decision, one that we are humbly asking for donations from only our nearest and dearest, the ones who already know and are aware of our infertility struggles.

We appreciate your offers of support, both emotional and financial, and we appreciate and love you all very much.

With love and thanks,

Carmen and Toby