Help complete the Greaves family - an IVF journey
Donation protected
As many of you will know, it's been the better part of a decade since my big sister, Ellen, and her husband, Callum, found out they couldn't go down the 'normal' path to having a family.
Growing up alongside a brother, Jesse, who suffers from an unbalanced translocation between chromosomes 1 & 12 and requires 24/7 one-on-one care, Callum tested positive as a carrier for this genetic abnormality.
While it poses no threat to Callum, it unfortunately means the couple runs a high risk of miscarriage or passing on an unbalanced chromosome to their future children.
After weighing up options laid out by the geneticist they ventured down the tumultuous IVF route, and two years later were blessed with the healthy arrival of their beautiful daughter, Arybella, late last year.
'Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis with vitro fertilization' (PGD/IVF) is a painstaking and often unsuccessful process whereby Ellen's eggs are harvested, fertilized and then the embryos sent to Australia to be tested for abnormal chromosomes. As expensive as it is complex, the first round is government funded, with subsequent attempts costing the hopeful parents anywhere between $20,000-$30,000.
Experiencing the joy that Arybella has brought them already, Ellen and Callum have decided to try for round two of IVF in the hopes of providing her with a sibling to journey through childhood with and no doubt aid and abet her future mischief.
They haven't set a date yet but need to see where they stand financially before making that call and setting wheels in motion.
Many friends and family have expressed wishes to help make another round possible, so I've created this GoFundMe page where those inclined can donate to support this courageous couple.
Having navigated this emotionally-taxing journey once already, Ellen and Callum appreciate everyone's support but hope loved ones will respect their wishes to keep the details of this next stage private until they have good news to tell.
Thanks in advance for any and all support - it means all the difference for their wee family.
Thank you so much for reading,
Smitten Aunty Alica
Growing up alongside a brother, Jesse, who suffers from an unbalanced translocation between chromosomes 1 & 12 and requires 24/7 one-on-one care, Callum tested positive as a carrier for this genetic abnormality.
While it poses no threat to Callum, it unfortunately means the couple runs a high risk of miscarriage or passing on an unbalanced chromosome to their future children.
After weighing up options laid out by the geneticist they ventured down the tumultuous IVF route, and two years later were blessed with the healthy arrival of their beautiful daughter, Arybella, late last year.
'Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis with vitro fertilization' (PGD/IVF) is a painstaking and often unsuccessful process whereby Ellen's eggs are harvested, fertilized and then the embryos sent to Australia to be tested for abnormal chromosomes. As expensive as it is complex, the first round is government funded, with subsequent attempts costing the hopeful parents anywhere between $20,000-$30,000.
Experiencing the joy that Arybella has brought them already, Ellen and Callum have decided to try for round two of IVF in the hopes of providing her with a sibling to journey through childhood with and no doubt aid and abet her future mischief.
They haven't set a date yet but need to see where they stand financially before making that call and setting wheels in motion.
Many friends and family have expressed wishes to help make another round possible, so I've created this GoFundMe page where those inclined can donate to support this courageous couple.
Having navigated this emotionally-taxing journey once already, Ellen and Callum appreciate everyone's support but hope loved ones will respect their wishes to keep the details of this next stage private until they have good news to tell.
Thanks in advance for any and all support - it means all the difference for their wee family.
Thank you so much for reading,
Smitten Aunty Alica
Organizer and beneficiary
Alica Brunke
Organizer
Whitecliffs, NZ
Paul Carson
Beneficiary
