- A
- R
- C
Though Chris is technically my cousin, I consider him my big brother. He has been my role model all throughout my life, and I've admired his work ethic, sense of humor, and kindness. I could not be more happy when Chris found a partner as wonderful as Mireya. As I said at their wedding, not just anyone would be good enough for my big brother, but Mireya has been that and more. She is generous, sweet, selfless, and brave.
I knew from the start that these two would be amazing parents with endless amounts of love to offer. When I had my own son three years ago, I was excited to be able to raise him alongside Chris and Mireya's children so they could grow up together the way Chris, my brother, and I had.
Needless to say, I was shocked and heartbroken to learn of their struggle with infertility. They have been through so much together already, but have had the strength and determination to overcome it all. This has been an intensely difficult and emotional time for them and coming to the decision to attempt IVF has not been an easy one.
I create this page on their behalf in an effort to support them through this process and hopefully remove some of the obstacles and stress of it all. Any financial support you can offer would be tremendously appreciated, though this is a time sensitive matter. Their first payment is due July 15, 2019.
I thank you for reading this far and encourage you to continue reading about Chris and Mireya's story in their own words. Thank you in advance for your generous support of these incredible souls.
From Christopher:
"I tried to do everything right, everything that’s expected to prepare for my future. Make wise investments in myself by graduating college with a M.S., investing early on to pay off student loans and the cost of our wedding. Making life decisions (including relocating to CO) to maintain a stable career position with long term prospects. Built strong relationships and true friendships with people I trust and admire. Tried to be a good role model for and supportive of my younger cousins, who are like my brother and sister. Some of the most personally and spiritually fulfilling work I've done has been giving back to the community by volunteering my time and talents to youth centered organizations.
I didn’t rush into long term relationships but took the time to find my soulmate. I supported her in achieving her education and career goals. After all that, once we finally thought that we were ready-ish, we started trying. After about a year of no success, went to see a specialist.
Our doctors confirmed that we both had underlying medical conditions that were the cause of our infertility. IVF was our only option and we’d have to act fast to even have a chance. We were overwhelmed with the flood of information and were devastated by this news and that our insurance doesn’t cover anything. Although I saved some nest egg money, the amounts they described to try just once (without guaranteed success) were more than double what I have saved especially if we try more than one cycle, which they recommend.
I was in a depressed mental state for most of 2018. I would try to hide my feelings when visiting with family and when I would hold my niece, nephew, Godson, or my friends' children, but my wife could see the sadness in me. I had intense feelings flooding my mind at all times ranging from anger, jealousy, sadness, regret, feelings of inadequacy, fear, etc. I did not sleep well. I would act out irrationally and out of character and I would bury myself in my work. I worked extra hours to the point of near exhaustion.
After a car accident caused by falling asleep on the road during a business trip, I had some sense snapped into me. Mireya and I finally started talking, going back and forth about what we really wanted and what other options we may have. After opening up to family and friends, and talking with a counselor, we realized that we wanted and needed to try for our own happiness and peace of mind.
I have had to re-examine all my beliefs in God, in life, what my role in the universe is, what was important to me, what brings me joy, what it means to be a man, who my real friends are, and the importance of a loving family. We have applied for IVF financial aid, grants, loans, and are looking at getting 2nd jobs and/or switching companies that offer IVF coverage. This is one of the few situations that I cannot do by myself and have chosen to reach-out for help with this extremely personal matter. "
From Mireya:
"From a very young age, my dream was to go to college, graduate, have my dream career, fall in love, get married, buy a home, and have children. Due to many unexpected obstacles and hardships, I started my dream path later in life than I wanted. I guess you can say that’s why IVF is our only option and we’re running out of time.
I come from a family of 16 children. My twin brother and I are the only one’s without children. Although I am not a mother, I have been like a mother to some of my nieces and nephews. I have had them in my care and grown up with them most of my life. For the kids, now adults, to say that I am a second mother to them and that I would be a great mom fills the void in my heart of actually being a mother for just a moment and I love them for saying that.
People who know Chris and me, say we are the perfect couple and I couldn’t agree more. The only thing we are missing is children in our lives. We wish to be parents and have struggled to come to terms with our diagnosis. We waited so long trying to conceive because it never seemed to be the right time. Chris wanted to be in a good place in order to provide for our family. I have been very patient, but time is not on our side. Maybe I should have pushed more.
Anyways, after trying to conceive for a year, we found out I have a low egg reserve count, blocked fallopian tubes, and endometriosis, and Chris also has underlying medical issues that make it nearly impossible for us to conceive naturally. We both suffered emotionally for a long time after this diagnosis.
Moving forward, however, our relationship is stronger than ever. We have done all the procedures necessary to start IVF. But my fertility doctor is afraid that if we wait another six months, I will no longer have any eggs. Therefore, we must find a way to come up with the funds. The IVF process, labs, and medications add up to approximately $40,000.
If, for whatever reason, we cannot come up with the funds or if we have a failed IVF, I do not regret meeting Chris and marrying him. I am grateful to have such a wonderful husband and be a part of his life; a part of his family. My life with him is full of love, kindness, and laughter. He is the love of my life and nothing will make me happier than making our dream of having children of our own come true."
I knew from the start that these two would be amazing parents with endless amounts of love to offer. When I had my own son three years ago, I was excited to be able to raise him alongside Chris and Mireya's children so they could grow up together the way Chris, my brother, and I had.
Needless to say, I was shocked and heartbroken to learn of their struggle with infertility. They have been through so much together already, but have had the strength and determination to overcome it all. This has been an intensely difficult and emotional time for them and coming to the decision to attempt IVF has not been an easy one.
I create this page on their behalf in an effort to support them through this process and hopefully remove some of the obstacles and stress of it all. Any financial support you can offer would be tremendously appreciated, though this is a time sensitive matter. Their first payment is due July 15, 2019.
I thank you for reading this far and encourage you to continue reading about Chris and Mireya's story in their own words. Thank you in advance for your generous support of these incredible souls.
From Christopher:
"I tried to do everything right, everything that’s expected to prepare for my future. Make wise investments in myself by graduating college with a M.S., investing early on to pay off student loans and the cost of our wedding. Making life decisions (including relocating to CO) to maintain a stable career position with long term prospects. Built strong relationships and true friendships with people I trust and admire. Tried to be a good role model for and supportive of my younger cousins, who are like my brother and sister. Some of the most personally and spiritually fulfilling work I've done has been giving back to the community by volunteering my time and talents to youth centered organizations.
I didn’t rush into long term relationships but took the time to find my soulmate. I supported her in achieving her education and career goals. After all that, once we finally thought that we were ready-ish, we started trying. After about a year of no success, went to see a specialist.
Our doctors confirmed that we both had underlying medical conditions that were the cause of our infertility. IVF was our only option and we’d have to act fast to even have a chance. We were overwhelmed with the flood of information and were devastated by this news and that our insurance doesn’t cover anything. Although I saved some nest egg money, the amounts they described to try just once (without guaranteed success) were more than double what I have saved especially if we try more than one cycle, which they recommend.
I was in a depressed mental state for most of 2018. I would try to hide my feelings when visiting with family and when I would hold my niece, nephew, Godson, or my friends' children, but my wife could see the sadness in me. I had intense feelings flooding my mind at all times ranging from anger, jealousy, sadness, regret, feelings of inadequacy, fear, etc. I did not sleep well. I would act out irrationally and out of character and I would bury myself in my work. I worked extra hours to the point of near exhaustion.
After a car accident caused by falling asleep on the road during a business trip, I had some sense snapped into me. Mireya and I finally started talking, going back and forth about what we really wanted and what other options we may have. After opening up to family and friends, and talking with a counselor, we realized that we wanted and needed to try for our own happiness and peace of mind.
I have had to re-examine all my beliefs in God, in life, what my role in the universe is, what was important to me, what brings me joy, what it means to be a man, who my real friends are, and the importance of a loving family. We have applied for IVF financial aid, grants, loans, and are looking at getting 2nd jobs and/or switching companies that offer IVF coverage. This is one of the few situations that I cannot do by myself and have chosen to reach-out for help with this extremely personal matter. "
From Mireya:
"From a very young age, my dream was to go to college, graduate, have my dream career, fall in love, get married, buy a home, and have children. Due to many unexpected obstacles and hardships, I started my dream path later in life than I wanted. I guess you can say that’s why IVF is our only option and we’re running out of time.
I come from a family of 16 children. My twin brother and I are the only one’s without children. Although I am not a mother, I have been like a mother to some of my nieces and nephews. I have had them in my care and grown up with them most of my life. For the kids, now adults, to say that I am a second mother to them and that I would be a great mom fills the void in my heart of actually being a mother for just a moment and I love them for saying that.
People who know Chris and me, say we are the perfect couple and I couldn’t agree more. The only thing we are missing is children in our lives. We wish to be parents and have struggled to come to terms with our diagnosis. We waited so long trying to conceive because it never seemed to be the right time. Chris wanted to be in a good place in order to provide for our family. I have been very patient, but time is not on our side. Maybe I should have pushed more.
Anyways, after trying to conceive for a year, we found out I have a low egg reserve count, blocked fallopian tubes, and endometriosis, and Chris also has underlying medical issues that make it nearly impossible for us to conceive naturally. We both suffered emotionally for a long time after this diagnosis.
Moving forward, however, our relationship is stronger than ever. We have done all the procedures necessary to start IVF. But my fertility doctor is afraid that if we wait another six months, I will no longer have any eggs. Therefore, we must find a way to come up with the funds. The IVF process, labs, and medications add up to approximately $40,000.
If, for whatever reason, we cannot come up with the funds or if we have a failed IVF, I do not regret meeting Chris and marrying him. I am grateful to have such a wonderful husband and be a part of his life; a part of his family. My life with him is full of love, kindness, and laughter. He is the love of my life and nothing will make me happier than making our dream of having children of our own come true."