Hello everyone! I’ve started this page on behalf of my cousin, Staci, and her husband Matt. Two awesome people who I know will be amazing parents! Let me share a small piece of their journey... Matt and Staci have been married nearly six years and have been trying to start a family for the last four. In February 2013, Staci was sent to the emergency room with severe pain and was found to have a large mass on one of her ovaries. In an effort to preserve fertility, they were able to remove just the one ovary and she was told that conceiving should not be an issue. Fast forward through multiple fertility medications, normal lab results and six failed IUI’s (intrauterine insemination) and they now find themselves standing before the last bit of medicine that might help them start a family: IVF. Unfortunately IVF is not covered by their insurance and the out of pocket costs are staggering. Infertility is difficult enough mentally and especially emotionally, it’s heartbreaking to add in the unbelievable cost of getting medical help to start a family. Here’s a breakdown of what they were quoted for a single round of IVF: Pre-Cycle Testing: $2,500-6,000 Medications: $5,000-8,000 IVF: $11,500-19,000 (the cost increases with chromosomal testing and ICSI, which is where the sperm needs to be injected into the egg. They were advised based on how long they’ve been trying they would likely need ICSI to successfully get a fertilized egg, which puts an IVF cycle for them around the $19,000 mark.) Anethesia: $600 Early pregnancy monitoring: $1,200+ I’ve been so impressed with Matt and Staci and their attitude and ability to hold onto hope during this emotional and confusing time. They want a baby and to experience the joys of parenting, something that so many of us take for granted, and I (and the rest of our family and friends) want it so badly for them as well. Their baby will never have to question the deep love that they have for him or her, the willingness to travel to the ends of the earth on this journey is proof. Please consider helping Matt and Staci on their journey to getting a sweet little baby Corbett. No contribution is too small, whether it be financial, a prayer, or simply sharing their story. If IVF is successful for them, they will have a special onesie made up to take baby home from the hospital in that says “sponsored by” and have all the names of people who contributed to helping them along in their journey. Get your name on that onesie! Love, thanks and blessings to you all.