- A
- R
- J
2020 took a toll on each of us in its own specific way, but ultimately, living through a pandemic forced us to reflect and put value on the things that truly matter in our lives. For Cate, it even forced her to question what she truly wanted out of life. Cate has talked about wanting to have a baby for many years, but the timing or situation was never right. When everything changed, Cate got the perspective she needed and realized she did not want to delay her dream of having a baby - and she was even prepared to do it as a single parent.
If you know Cate, then you know she does not venture into anything without proper knowledge or research. Her resourcefulness is one of her most admirable and defining qualities. She had several things working against her from the start: she was taking this on alone and she was 36, certainly not the easiest age for anyone to become pregnant. The risk was great, but she knew the reward would be even greater. She did what she always does - she started asking questions and gathering information. Cate began vetting the fertility clinics and the methods of artificial insemination, talking to anyone and everyone she could so she could make the best informed decision for herself. Ultimately she decided the process of IUI, or intrauterine insemination, sounded most promising. She contacted her insurance and was prepared to make three attempts at conception. That is how her baby journey began.
Please remember that this was all happening during the beginning stages of the Covid-19 crisis, while still working full time. Certain fertility offices were completely closed due to the pandemic so all consultations were virtual and once testing began, she was traveling from Philadelphia to King of Prussia multiple times a week before work and whenever she could fit it in. The testing was extensive: blood-work, genetic testing, testing the viability of her eggs, etc. She was determined and did everything to set herself up in the best condition to get pregnant. She even listened to her doctor’s advice and took medication to boost her ovulation chances and while all of the pressure and hormones certainly took its toll, the prospect weighed heavy on Cate. She was hopeful it would take.
The testing continued. There was more blood-work done, more levels tested, until ultimately she got the news: SHE WAS PREGNANT! All of the worry and stress and dedication had paid off. And then something wasn’t right, and she miscarried. Not only is this loss physical, but emotional and personal; it called Cate to question wanting to even begin the process again. It is isolating to feel such a loss. Ultimately, she decided to look forward and try again. This time, her fertility doctor told her that to continue on this path, IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, would be better, as the reason for the miscarriage was unclear and could pose a risk to her own health. After having already gone through one complete process of IUI, having to start all over was a daunting prospect - physically, emotionally and financially. Cate believed this would be the end of her baby dream. She could never afford to take on the testing and medications necessary to undergo a completely new and different method of insemination. That is the reason we have created this page.
Cate is not a person who likes to show her vulnerable side. She is the most independent person I have ever known and asking for help does not come easy to her. What does come easily is her generosity. She has done so much for so many people from the smallest gestures to being there to support others, as well as planning large life defining events. We understand that this past year was hard for so many, but any amount of money would be appreciated. Fertility is something so many keep private for many different reasons. Cate is someone born to be a mom and money should not be the thing that holds her back from seeing this through. There is no amount too little. Please know that any “little” amount would be going toward helping Cate to love and cherish her very own “little” one.
Thank you,
Her loving friends
#helpdothaveatot
If you know Cate, then you know she does not venture into anything without proper knowledge or research. Her resourcefulness is one of her most admirable and defining qualities. She had several things working against her from the start: she was taking this on alone and she was 36, certainly not the easiest age for anyone to become pregnant. The risk was great, but she knew the reward would be even greater. She did what she always does - she started asking questions and gathering information. Cate began vetting the fertility clinics and the methods of artificial insemination, talking to anyone and everyone she could so she could make the best informed decision for herself. Ultimately she decided the process of IUI, or intrauterine insemination, sounded most promising. She contacted her insurance and was prepared to make three attempts at conception. That is how her baby journey began.
Please remember that this was all happening during the beginning stages of the Covid-19 crisis, while still working full time. Certain fertility offices were completely closed due to the pandemic so all consultations were virtual and once testing began, she was traveling from Philadelphia to King of Prussia multiple times a week before work and whenever she could fit it in. The testing was extensive: blood-work, genetic testing, testing the viability of her eggs, etc. She was determined and did everything to set herself up in the best condition to get pregnant. She even listened to her doctor’s advice and took medication to boost her ovulation chances and while all of the pressure and hormones certainly took its toll, the prospect weighed heavy on Cate. She was hopeful it would take.
The testing continued. There was more blood-work done, more levels tested, until ultimately she got the news: SHE WAS PREGNANT! All of the worry and stress and dedication had paid off. And then something wasn’t right, and she miscarried. Not only is this loss physical, but emotional and personal; it called Cate to question wanting to even begin the process again. It is isolating to feel such a loss. Ultimately, she decided to look forward and try again. This time, her fertility doctor told her that to continue on this path, IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, would be better, as the reason for the miscarriage was unclear and could pose a risk to her own health. After having already gone through one complete process of IUI, having to start all over was a daunting prospect - physically, emotionally and financially. Cate believed this would be the end of her baby dream. She could never afford to take on the testing and medications necessary to undergo a completely new and different method of insemination. That is the reason we have created this page.
Cate is not a person who likes to show her vulnerable side. She is the most independent person I have ever known and asking for help does not come easy to her. What does come easily is her generosity. She has done so much for so many people from the smallest gestures to being there to support others, as well as planning large life defining events. We understand that this past year was hard for so many, but any amount of money would be appreciated. Fertility is something so many keep private for many different reasons. Cate is someone born to be a mom and money should not be the thing that holds her back from seeing this through. There is no amount too little. Please know that any “little” amount would be going toward helping Cate to love and cherish her very own “little” one.
Thank you,
Her loving friends
#helpdothaveatot