My name is Shelby, and I live in Alabama with my husband, Dean, and my son, Trystan. Our story is not a typical one, and this is not an easy thing to write.

I came from a difficult trauma filled past and for a long time, I thought real love wasn’t something I would ever have. Then I met Dean. He didn’t just love me, he loved my son Trystan as if he were his own from the very beginning. Dean changed both of our lives with his steady, patient, unconditional love.

Now I want more than anything to give him the chance to experience fatherhood from the very beginning — to see him hold a baby that we created together, to raise a child side by side.

But because of medical complications from my past, that dream isn’t possible without help. After losing an ovary and suffering tube damage, our doctors have told us that IVF is our only chance. The heartbreaking part is that IVF is incredibly expensive ($20,000 for one cycle) and it isn’t covered by insurance.

Even more urgent: this isn’t something we can wait years to save for. My fertility is already limited, and time is not on our side. I’ve been told I likely only have a year maybe two left to be able to do this. We need to try now, while we still have a chance.

So here we are, asking for help — from family, friends, and anyone willing to share our story.

Every donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to completing our family. Even if you can’t donate, simply sharing this campaign means the world to us.

Dean has given me and Trystan everything. I want so badly to give him the gift of holding his baby in his arms. I want this more than anything. We’re praying this community can help us make that dream come true.

With love and gratitude,

Shelby, Dean & Trystan