Please help April and Brandon’s infertility journey!

Below is their story from April:

For those willing to open this and read our story, thank you. It is with both vulnerability and hope that we continue to share these significant chapters of our lives with you.

For the past 3 years, Brandon and I have struggled with infertility and even late-term miscarriage. During these years, I have had multiple tests and surgeries only to be diagnosed with unexplained infertility. I have sought advice from an OBGYN, NaPRO doctor, acupuncturist, and a Reproductive Endocrinologist. I have had multiple surgeries for fibroids, a polyp removal, as well as numerous blood transfusions for chronic anemia.

In September 2023, we discovered I was pregnant naturally (a true miracle). We were overjoyed and couldn’t wait to share with family and friends. We waited until what we thought was the “safe zone” to announce to just a few family members at Thanksgiving dinner. We had Christmas cards made as our surprise announcement to others. Unfortunately, we never got to send those cards out. On the morning of December 6, 2023, at just 16 weeks gestation, my water broke. I did not know what it was at the time but rushed to the ER alone while Brandon was out of town for work. I had an ultrasound to confirm there was little to no fluid left. We were devastated. Brandon rushed home that night, and the next morning we were admitted to L&D to give birth to our daughter, Emmy.

This experience, for some couples, can tear them apart. For us, it was the exact opposite. We have cared for each other through times no parent should ever have to know. The grief has been tremendous, but with the help of many people in our lives, we are healing.

The last year has really shown us how much we need to lean on each other. With unexplained infertility, this means that all of our lab results and tests come back positive and normal, yet we are still unable to become pregnant. After much reflection and consultation with doctors, we've come to realize that IVF (in vitro fertilization) is our next option to have the family we've longed for.

On January 29, 2025, we began our first IVF treatment. My body took time to respond to the stimulation medications, but after 14 days of multiple shots a day, we were looking at only two good-sized follicles that would potentially have mature eggs. Our egg retrieval day was scheduled for February 14 (Valentine's Day, we thought it was a good sign). Unfortunately, while still in the operating room, the doctor came in to tell Brandon they did not retrieve any eggs. After some time, while I was still waking from sedation, the doctor came back and said the embryologist found one egg. I did not take this news well, but Brandon explained one was better than none. After making it home to rest, the nurse called with the news that the one egg retrieved was not mature. After taking some time to process the disappointment, we made the decision to try again.

While we wish we weren’t here and have both had so much anxiety about asking our loved ones for money (especially knowing so many people are in tough spots themselves), we know parenting requires humility, and we’re practicing that now. Our medical insurance does not cover IVF treatment, so the cost for this is self-funded.

Some IVF Treatment Costs Breakdowns:

Monitoring (labs/ultrasounds): $3,067

Egg Retrieval: $4,636

Embryology (Culture & Fertilization): $4,932

Embryo Transfer: $2,265

Cryo/Storage of Embryos: $1,690

PGT Genetic Testing: $5,000

Medications for 1st round of IVF Egg Retrieval: $6,609.04

*These prices don't include insurance deductibles for everything in-network, travel, loss of work for surgery/recovery, or all of the treatments that are not covered by insurance (iron transfusions for anemia, acupuncture, supplements, etc.)

Please note: We request all donations be made anonymously. Although they are more than open to sharing their story, experience, and gratitude, this journey is very overwhelming and anonymity allows them the space to move through this process just the two of them. Thank you for understanding.

Other requested ways to donate:

Venmo - @April-Aguiniga

Cash App - $AprilAguiniga

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