I never imagined I’d be writing something like this. At 28 years old, I’m facing early menopause and a rapidly closing window to have children of my own. I’ve gone back and forth on whether to write this myself because I am not someone who asks for help easily. I feel guilty even writing this because I know how much love and support I already receive from the people around me, especially my incredible clients who have believed in my business and my dream since day one. But this isn’t something I can do alone. Unfortunately, my endometriosis is working against me in overdrive, and time is not on my side, and I can’t wait any longer. So, here I am writing from the bottom of my heart and asking for help with something that means absolutely everything to me.

Growing up, people used to ask me what I wanted to be and my answer was always “I want to be a mom”. I’ve had a list of baby names saved in my phone since high school. I’ve always said “I wonder what my kids will look like one day”. I’ve spent my whole life waiting for the chance to have a family of my own. It’s truly my sole purpose and hearing that this might be taken from me out of no where is devastating. I feel like my body is betraying me before I’ve even had a chance to try.

This GoFundMe is pretty much the hope I’m holding onto. It’s my way of fighting for the future I’ve dreamed of since I was a little girl. I’ve dreamed of experiencing pregnancy, I want to experience having a child with my future husband, I want to experience looking at my child and thinking they have my eyes or lips or smile, I want to experience my realistic dreams in real life.

In 2021, after more than a decade of unexplained pain and endless doctor’s visits, I was diagnosed with endometriosis and PCOS. During that same time, a liver mass was discovered (thankfully benign) but it added another layer of complexity to this fertility journey.

Fast forward to October 2024, I asked for fertility bloodwork ‘just in case’ (it truly was just a gut feeling). Despite being told I was “too young to worry,” my gut was right. Two weeks later, I received news that changed my life. I was diagnosed with DOR (Decreased Ovarian Reserve). This means the number and quality of eggs I have is so low that I’m now showing signs of early menopause at just 28 years old. (I love being a woman)!

I was referred to a fertility clinic by my Doctor, and received my first call in May 2025. Being 28, not ready for kids, in a brand new relationship, while having to hear “If you ever want to have biological children, you need to act now” is the most terrifying, mind numbing info drop I was not prepared for (clearly).

Just weeks after hearing the news from the specialist, things took a turn and, I was rushed to the hospital by ambulance after collapsing to my knees in honestly the worst pain I think I’ve ever experienced thus far. The first hospital suspected that one of my ovaries had twisted, so I was transferred to another hospital for further testing. When the doctor came in, he asked if I wanted the good news or the bad news first.

The good news: my ovary wasn’t twisted.

The bad news: I have so many 5cm cysts that they’re literally holding my ovaries in place making it physically impossible for them to twist.

The pain I was experiencing was from a ruptured cyst filled with blood, and there was nothing the doctors could do for me. Because I’m preparing for egg retrieval, surgery isn’t an option right now, it could decrease my egg count even more. That means I have to live in pain and wait for my next endometriosis surgery until after fertility treatment is complete.

Once I understood my diagnosis and the urgency, I started exploring my options. In Canada, fertility treatment is not covered, and because of my diagnosis, I was told I’d likely need two egg retrievals to have a fighting chance at IVF later. The cost for 2 retrievals, medication, and monitoring combined was estimated at $45,000 and that still doesn’t include embryo creation, storage, or future implantation. And, because of my liver condition, I also require additional monitoring and testing, which can add up during treatment.

My partner, Tanny, has been by my side every step of the way (since our first date when he asked me if I wanted kids and I had to tell him pretty much all this), and so together we searched for alternatives. We found an amazing fertility institute in Mexico called Ingenes where the cost for two retrievals and future IVF is significantly lower at about $10,000. However, this doesn’t include the medications for each retrieval, travel, accommodation, or the time off work I need to undergo treatment. To try and make it work, I even took on a second job while running my small business to do everything I can to save. Altogether, the total cost will still be around $35,000; that number feels impossible to reach on my own, especially as a small business owner just getting on her feet and doing it all at 28 in this economy.

I know that life is expensive, and that everyone is carrying their own battles, which is why asking for help like this is so hard for me. But if me being vulnerable on the internet gives me the chance of being a mom, then I have to try.

If you’ve read this far, thank you. Thank you for listening, and for caring. Thank you to my clients that have seen me go through this and support me day in and day out. Thank you to my family and friends for giving me the space to cry, process and get through this. Thank you to my partner for sticking by my side through all of it. I’m so grateful for my support system.

Writing this has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but also one of the most hopeful. I’ve learned that sometimes, strength doesn’t mean carrying everything alone. Whether you’re able to donate, share this page, or simply send love and encouragement, or even share your own stories with me, please know that it means more than I can ever put into words. Thank you for reading my story and being part of my journey in this world.

Forever grateful,

Samantha