Becoming A Parent Is Priceless

Please help Jake Thomas & Erin Brown Thomas

Memories come flooding back… Forty years ago I faced the pain and disappointment in trying to have a child. But that pain is nothing now compared to seeing my own “miracle” child in the same struggle. I’m Lauren Brown, mom and mom-in-law to Jake Thomas and Erin Brown Thomas. Erin’s sister, Kelly, and I are reaching out because…

Erin and Jake are seeking our help. Not because they want to, as Erin said, “I feel dumb asking.” but because they NEED to. Circumstances, many of which that were out of their control, have led them to this place of need. Having dealt with severe endometriosis since the age of 22 ( probably earlier ) led Erin to two surgeries at age 23 and 25. She is now learning that those “aggressive” surgeries is one of the reasons their journey to parenthood now necessitates IVF. This is a costly journey ahead. Again circumstances… Like so many in their industries the Pandemic led to two years of limited income for them. They survived that because they have always lived below their means and had a healthy savings. Needless to say that is gone. UNLIKE many, Erin was ill for two years starting in 2015 before properly being diagnosed with Lyme disease. Those first two years brought high medical bills ( despite having insurance ). But since a proper diagnosis, the cost of treatment has been staggering. You see the CDC doesn’t recognize the disease so insurance does not have to cover treatment. Imagine averaging at least $2000 / month in medical bills for several years. Again, they have weathered that and understandably put on hold their desire to become parents. We share all of this to let you know Erin and Jake have not been irresponsible. Erin is better now. She worked hard and endured a lot to get to this place of health to have a child only to find out their options are limited with both the recent findings about her past surgeries and Jake’s medical issues.

Erin and Jake need us to partner with them on their journey to becoming parents. They are taking out a loan. As Erin said, “ I don’t want to look back on my life in 40 years knowing I didn’t do everything I could to have a child.”

Stress and mental outlook are very important components in the IVF journey. Kelly, her sister, and I are hoping you will help us take some of that financial stress from them. We are asking you to partner with us in helping them on this journey in becoming parents.

Here is a breakdown of what it costs:

Medication - $6000.

Pre / Post Testing - $3270

Additional Labs - $5007

Cycle Fees - $2785

Embryo / Sperm Management & Retrieval - $8750

- $3800

-$4000

COVID Tests for EACH visit for BOTH of them - $100 each

We know this is a lot of money but Kelly and I think you will agree with us that being able to be a parent is priceless! Thank you!