Amanda and Pete’s IVF Journey
Donation protected
If you have ever had the pleasure of meeting Amanda and Pete, you know they are the most full of life and loving people around! They are kind, generous, thoughtful, and they absolutely love people – adults and kiddos alike. Heck, Amanda owns and operates a pediatric Speech and Language Clinic, in which she actively works with children daily. They are also so deserving of having a family of their own and over the past few years have hit many roadblocks that have made that journey more challenging.
Pete and Amanda got married June 2015 and wanted to start a family right away. They wanted nothing more than to get pregnant, surprise all of their family and friends, and bring a baby into this world under their roof. After a long while, it became clear that something was wrong. Month after month of hope followed by disappointment took its toll. They finally opted to seek the advice and guidance of a specialist.
January of this year, they decided to go make an appointment with a fertility clinic. The first clinic was nothing short of a traumatic experience. They immediately realized through initial testing that Amanda had stage IV endometriosis and a partially blocked left tube, which required an extensive surgery. Early February, Amanda underwent surgery on multiple cysts. A few weeks later, back to the clinic again for follow up testing and ultrasounds, bloodwork, etc only to find out that the nurse stated she would not be a candidate for IVF – at least through their clinic – and that the next step was to start looking for an egg donor. All of this was shared over the phone, by the nurse.
After much discussion and thought, Pete and Amanda decided to get second opinion, because they didn’t want one clinics ruling to be the end all be all. And boy are they happy they went with a second opinion. Early April they met with a new infertility clinic and immediately they felt more comfort in this process with this new team of doctors. After more ultrasounds, saline sonogram, blood work, other testing, and reviewing past records, this clinic said IVF is a great option for them! They couldn’t be more thrilled that after many roadblocks, dark moments, and frustrations of being told NO or unanswered questions, they received the BEST NEWS EVER! There still is HOPE!
The plan for the next few months is to start the IVF cycle. This includes medication priming for a week, then up to two weeks of stimulation medications, an egg retrieval, embryo testing, transfer of embryo, etc. - all steps pending on how each phase goes. All while on continuous medications, not to mention full time work for both Pete and Amanda, who owns her own business. Much of these appointments are an hour + away each way, which she will be doing almost daily throughout some of the phases. In addition, Amanda has created an amazing outreach group locally at focuses on infertility and sharing and supporting in their individual journeys, of which she plans to continue to head and support.
We, as friends of the Townsend's, realize that not only is IVF a long and hard road, it is outrageously expensive, time consuming, and downright exhausting. And while insurance will cover some of their treatment, most medications, appointments, scans, and labs, are not covered and portions of treatment including medication need to be paid for up front and out of pocket.
They say it takes a village to raise a child, so why not utilize that village to help create a child! They are uncomfortable asking for donations, but with so many people asking how they can help, they agreed to let us share their story and accept donations for their journey to becoming parents. All funds raised will go directly to the cost of their IVF treatments, medications, and services.
They bring so much joy and light into so many others world. They are supportive friends and are always there for others. Now it’s our time to do so for them! Any amount helps, and if you are not able to donate, please know that sharing this page and story is enough. They thank you for your endless support and love in their journey!!
Pete and Amanda got married June 2015 and wanted to start a family right away. They wanted nothing more than to get pregnant, surprise all of their family and friends, and bring a baby into this world under their roof. After a long while, it became clear that something was wrong. Month after month of hope followed by disappointment took its toll. They finally opted to seek the advice and guidance of a specialist.
January of this year, they decided to go make an appointment with a fertility clinic. The first clinic was nothing short of a traumatic experience. They immediately realized through initial testing that Amanda had stage IV endometriosis and a partially blocked left tube, which required an extensive surgery. Early February, Amanda underwent surgery on multiple cysts. A few weeks later, back to the clinic again for follow up testing and ultrasounds, bloodwork, etc only to find out that the nurse stated she would not be a candidate for IVF – at least through their clinic – and that the next step was to start looking for an egg donor. All of this was shared over the phone, by the nurse.
After much discussion and thought, Pete and Amanda decided to get second opinion, because they didn’t want one clinics ruling to be the end all be all. And boy are they happy they went with a second opinion. Early April they met with a new infertility clinic and immediately they felt more comfort in this process with this new team of doctors. After more ultrasounds, saline sonogram, blood work, other testing, and reviewing past records, this clinic said IVF is a great option for them! They couldn’t be more thrilled that after many roadblocks, dark moments, and frustrations of being told NO or unanswered questions, they received the BEST NEWS EVER! There still is HOPE!
The plan for the next few months is to start the IVF cycle. This includes medication priming for a week, then up to two weeks of stimulation medications, an egg retrieval, embryo testing, transfer of embryo, etc. - all steps pending on how each phase goes. All while on continuous medications, not to mention full time work for both Pete and Amanda, who owns her own business. Much of these appointments are an hour + away each way, which she will be doing almost daily throughout some of the phases. In addition, Amanda has created an amazing outreach group locally at focuses on infertility and sharing and supporting in their individual journeys, of which she plans to continue to head and support.
We, as friends of the Townsend's, realize that not only is IVF a long and hard road, it is outrageously expensive, time consuming, and downright exhausting. And while insurance will cover some of their treatment, most medications, appointments, scans, and labs, are not covered and portions of treatment including medication need to be paid for up front and out of pocket.
They say it takes a village to raise a child, so why not utilize that village to help create a child! They are uncomfortable asking for donations, but with so many people asking how they can help, they agreed to let us share their story and accept donations for their journey to becoming parents. All funds raised will go directly to the cost of their IVF treatments, medications, and services.
They bring so much joy and light into so many others world. They are supportive friends and are always there for others. Now it’s our time to do so for them! Any amount helps, and if you are not able to donate, please know that sharing this page and story is enough. They thank you for your endless support and love in their journey!!
Organizer
Amy Loeffler
Organizer
Kenosha, WI