Creating Baby Caplan: Help Haley and Greg fund IVF

Hello all,

First off, thank you for stopping by. Just clicking the link and showing interest in our journey makes me oh so thankful.

Secondly, if you read through the end of our backstory, there's a couple of IVF puns because it wouldn't be something Greg-related without being a little punny.

So without further ado.

Growing up I always had a deadline of life goals to check off. I wanted to have a boyfriend, get married, buy a house and have children all before I turned 30. Well here I am now 33 and still missing that last checked box . Even though I am extremly greatful for all those other checked boxes. this last missing box is the hardest to still remain blank. While other kids wanted to be veterinarians, astronauts, teachers. I always knew I wanted to be a Mom. This feeling has never gone way. I've had baby names picked out since I was in highschool. Luckily no one has stolen then yet. ;-)

As many know, Greg and I have been trying to conceive for the past four years now. The first two years, starting near the end of 2020, the basic way. The way that typically works for 5 out of 6 couples either accidentally or planned. Unfortunately for us though, it ended in two losses. Making us that 1 out of every 6 couples facing infertility. I was told by my doctor that it's fine, you can get pregnant, your problem is just staying pregnant. So with these words of wisdom, I decided to start looking into fertility clinics in Vermont. This led me to Northeastern Reproductive Medicine in Colchester, who we have been working with these last two years. I have had to undergo two surgeries and four IUIs, which unfortunately also led to two early losses. My doctor thinks I have "sticky" tubes, so even if there is an embryo created, it gets lost or stuck somewhere along its journey, resulting in two ectopics and two chemical pregnancies.

It's been a long road, with appointments, needles, medications that make me feel crazy, surgeries, and heartbreak. Honestly, it feels like there is little hope as more and more months and years pass by, but we're continuing to stay optimistic.

Due to my diminishing egg reserves, which basically means our fertility journey is more time-sensitive than it should be for someone my age, our only option now is IVF. Unfortunately, like most fertility treatments, it's not cheap. IUIs, although still pricey, are the most non-invasive and more affordable of the fertility options, usually around $1,000 a cycle including the medication, instead of the $16,000 (not including medication) I was quoted that IVF will costs. The medication will be an addition $4,000.

Due to the "problem" resigning with me, the VA can not cover any of the cost, including Gregs appointments. Even though I do have state insurance, they will not cover anything female fertility-related, including the medication. It's actually not a state law in Vermont for insurance companies to cover fertility treatments , like it is in many other states. Who knew? I have been learning so much within these last four years.

IVF is not easy and it's not always guaranteed to be successful, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Greg, myself, and our doctor are hoping that we only need one round of IVF whenever that time may be. So fingers crossed.

Right now, we are still working with Northeastern Reproductive Medicine to get the first steps done. I highly recommend them to anyone who is on this TTC journey. But we are looking to start sooner rather then later.

Any funds will help go towards the expenses of IVF: medication, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo transfer, and freezing/storing.

We are still trying to figure this all out, so along this journey, things may change. But I will try my best to keep anyone who would like, updated on our little adventure. We are also looking into other ways to help fund this, so this source is not the only one. So thank you for any help you many be able to give. and if you have any questions, or helpful suggestions on how we can raise money to achieve our IVF, please feel free to message me.

P.S., please do not suggest "Well, why don't you just adopt?" Well... gentle reading, it is just as expensive and actually cost even more than IVF, and as wonderful and heartwarming as fostering may be, it's just not something I can emotionally handle right now. So thank you.

Now as promised, some really bad IVF jokes/puns:

"I’m starting IVF soon. Let’s just say I’m eggpecting some big things!"

"IVF is like a reality show: you never know who will make it to the next round—egg-citement at its best!"

"Why did the sperm get a promotion? Because it excelled at getting to the point!"

"IVF: The only time it's totally normal to be egg-cited and sperm-ing with anticipation!"

"IVF: Where the egg and sperm finally get to meet after all these years of swiping right!"