Support Mackenzie and Daniel’s IVF Journey

Mackenzie and Daniel’s journey to becoming parents started in 2022 when they found out they were pregnant with a little girl who they would go on to name Gwendolyn Isabella. When Gwen was born in February of 2023, she had trouble breathing and it was discovered she had Tetrology of Fallot - a Congenital Heart Defect. Gwen was transferred from Kaiser in Santa Rosa to UCSF Benihoff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco. After 5 weeks of tests, procedures, surgeries, and set backs - Gwendolyn passed from complications following open heart surgery. The loss of their baby was absolutely heartbreaking, a pain no one should have to endure. Daniel and Mackenzie have channeled their pain into a drive to honor Gwen’s memory; they have done this by speaking of her, raising money/awareness during the San Francisco Congenital Heart Walk, and starting books for Gwen where they continue to donate hundreds of books to hospitals and schools in Gwen’s memory.

Daniel and Mackenzie tried to find ways to remain busy and find joy while grieving and working through their pain. Daniel went to the gym and improved his fitness. Mackenzie became scuba certified and began crafting often. They both traveled to the Dominican Republic and Yosemite, while Mackenzie went on a solo trip to Boston. While this gave them something to look forward to and channel their energy in, they both still felt something was missing.

In July of 2024 Mackenzie and Daniel found out they were pregnant. While hope was present, the complicated emotions of pregnancy after loss were very much present. Unfortunately this pregnancy ended in a miscarriage which was extremely discouraging for Mackenzie and Daniel both. The love they have for one another along with the support they received from friends and family helped them through this very difficult time.

In November of 2024 Mackenzie and Daniel found out they were pregnant again. There was of course a lot of reservations and uncertainty as this was their 3rd pregnancy following infant loss and pregnancy loss. After multiple weeks of irregular HCG results and a concerning ultrasound, Mackenzie’s doctors sent her to the emergency room where it was found she was having an ectopic pregnancy. This is not a viable pregnancy, which was devestating, but Mackenzie and Daniel were grateful to catch it early enough where surgery was not needed and they could proceed with an injection to dissolve the pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies are life threatening to the mother, it’s an extremely scary situation to be in physically, and mentally it makes you feel all hope is lost.

Recently, Mackenzie and Daniel had an appointment with their fertility specialist at Marin Fertility where they came to the decision to proceed with IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), as it was recommended prior to the misscarriage and ectopic as the best option due to a discovered inheritable microdeletion. The date to start the IVF process is still fluid but they are anticipating starting as early as January 2025. Mackenzie, Daniel, and their doctor are hopeful to receive enough quality embryos to do a frozen transfer now as well as cryopreservation (freezing) of additional embryos for future siblings. Putting this kind of time, effort, money, and hope into IVF is scary - there are no gaurentees. This fear paired with the medical trauma they have experienced is enough to completely break a person or couple. Although trust is hard to place in doctors following their experiences, they are pushing through as they are determined to welcome a baby earthside.

“We feel nervous because things have gone wrong this whole journey to parenthood. But hope is incredibly resilient and despite it all we still have it.” -Mackenzie and Daniel

I’m writing this on behalf of Mackenzie and Daniel in the hopes that we can come together as a community to help alleviate some of the financial burden and stress that IVF puts on a couple as their health insurance does not cover fertility costs. This cycle of IVF alone will cost them around $30,000. All proceeds will go directly to Mackenzie and Daniel to help pay for IVF. Mackenzie and Daniel have been through so very much in the last couple years; let’s send them the love and support they need on their upcoming journey by means of donations, prayers, and kind words.

I cannot think of a more deserving couple; they are an incredible aunt/uncle to my daughter, I can only imagine how much love and dedication they would shower their earthside baby with. They are also the type of couple that support their friends and family by any means necessary. The way they speak of their friends and drop everything to help their family is heartwarming. Their selflessness in raising awareness and money for CHD during their time of grief, as well as putting countless hours into coordinating Books From Gwen is truly inspiring. I’m in constant awe over their ability to push through pain to live their life to the fullest all in memory of their sweet angel baby Gwen.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read their journey and being a part of it by way of contributions small or large, shares on socials/word of mouth, and/or kind words of encouragement - It means the world to Mackenzie and Daniel to have your support not only now, but during their entire journey of parenthood that began in 2022.

Do not hesitate to reach out to me, Courtney Lantz, if you have questions on how to support in other ways. Thank you.