Hello all.

I am an aspiring Single Mom by Choice (SMBC), an educator and an activist who has spent the majority of my professional life teaching teens and adults and standing up for others. I am turning 36 this summer and I am trying my best to create as many embryos as possible with donor sperm to increase my chance of having a baby in a few years.

I had my first egg retrieval which was not as successful as we had hoped. Sadly, none of my mature eggs fertilized. I will have to begin this process again when I'm physically and psychologically ready. Sadly even in a science as progressive and intricate as invitro fertilization (IVF), there are still no guarantees of a live birth or even a healthy embryo. Since this procedure is considered "elective" it's not covered by insurance. I will be paying out of pocket. This is why I'm humbly asking you for help. No amount of money is too small.

The process is expensive and I want to be transparent as to why I'm asking for so much:

Cycle monitoring (office visit, ultrasound, and hormonal bloodwork) - $2,754

Egg Retrieval, Culture of Oocytes/Embryos, and Assisted Hatching - $8,399

PGT Biopsy, Embryo Cryopreservation, including the first year of storage - $3,705

If you cannot donate, please do me the honor of sharing this fundraiser with friends and loved ones. Thank you, community.

In Solidarity,

​Lydia A. Howrilka