Hatching Baby Siegel

I've started this campaign to help a friend of mine complete her family. As a 20 year-old, I've never had to face the idea of having a child, much less wanting one and being unable to bring a life where it is most wanted. I have, however, had the experience of seeing Floriane grow up and knowing exactly what kind of person she is- selfless, quirky, and entirely selfess, not to mention, the cutest first-grade teacher ever.
Knowing that, I wanted to help if  I could- at least a little. And this is my little. 



The goal is simple: Help however possible. To collectively lighten the load these two already carry.

Let's help pave the way for baby Siegel <3

Here's a little bit of their story: 

"Evan and I started dating in our first year of college at UCSB. From the start, we knew we were in this for the long haul, and part of our planning for the future was planning for the children we both wanted. We focused on our education, receiving our Masters degrees in 2012 and 2013. Finally, in June 2014, we were married. We decided to wait a year before trying for kids to enjoy being newlyweds and work towards the purchase of a home. We moved into our new house in Valencia, CA in September of 2015. We were finally settled, with great jobs (Evan at Disney and me at an amazing school in Pasadena, teaching First Grade), and we knew the time was right for kids.

The first few months of trying were fun and so exciting, but the newness wore out quickly and was replaced by crippling fear and doubt. We were doing everything right and yet we were still a family of two. Around month six of trying, we were at our lowest point, and decided to seek medical help. After six more months of testing, doctor's visits, and lots of tears, we found out we were both infertile. In the summer of 2016, we were told our only viable option was InVitro Fertilization (IVF).

IVF is taxing physically and emotionally, as well as draining financially. In the USA, infertility coverage is not included in most insurance plans. For us, our insurance covered most of our "diagnostic" tests, but the minute our diagnosis of "infertile" came, in that lowest point of our lives, we were left completely to our own devices by our insurance companies. Between weekly specialist visits, injectable and oral medications, surgery, and lab fees, we were left wondering how we would be able to grow our family.

While we have savings meant for this purpose, we are not too proud to accept help when it is offered. We were deeply humbled when Marie-Charlotte, a childhood friend of mine, offered her help. We know that not everyone can donate to help cover our medical bills. We appreciate any good thoughts or prayers that you can offer us ❤ But if you are in a place to help, we will gratefully accept it.

The breakdown of the IVF costs are as follows:

Medical visits- $2,000
Medication - $6,000
Surgery - $8,000
ICSI/PICSI/Assisted Hatching (all things to give our embryo the best chance) - $1,000
Embryo storage + freezing - $1,000

Total: $18,000

We encourage you to follow our journey on instagram at @hatching_baby_siegel and learn more about infertility at www.resolve.org.

Gratefully yours,
Flo & Evan Siegel"