Help Mark and Jen Create a Family Through Embryo Adoption

As some of you know, Mark and I have been on a fertility journey for almost a year now. When we began testing, we soon discovered that Mark had an extra chromosome, which is a condition called Klinefelter’s Syndrome. Unfortunately, this condition can prevent couples from getting pregnant. We could have pursued a rigorous process that included IVF, but the cost was high, and the chances of getting pregnant were about 10%. Since we decided to not pursue this option, we were left with 2 other choices with our fertility clinic: sperm donor or embryo adoption. As we thought through this, we decided to look into embryo adoption.

Embryo adoption is exactly what the name states. Mark and I would be looking to adopt an embryo. Couples who go through IVF may have more embryos than they need/desire. Instead of saving them or discarding them, some of these couples choose to donate them. Our fertility clinic, Shady Grove Fertility, uses a database for patients who want to donate their embryos. These couples make a profile for themselves and for the embryo(s) they are donating, and couples who are looking to adopt an embryo can gain access to the fertility’s database to view these various profiles.

Since Mark and I are unable to have biological children (unless God performs a miracle, which we believe He can!), we decided to see if embryo adoption would be a possibility for us. I went through various tests, and we discovered that I would be a candidate for embryo adoption. We will have access to the database I mentioned above to look for an embryo to adopt. This process includes looking at the family history and medical history of each embryo. We can choose to have as many or as little preferences as we would like (i.e. – hair color in the family, eye color in the family, ethnic background, highest education in the family, etc.). Of course, the more preferences one has, the more time it will take to find a match. Every now and then, new embryos will be added to the database.

We believe that a couple’s choice to donate their embryos is such a neat opportunity and blessing both for them and for others. An embryo is a little life, awaiting a place to survive and grow. These couples are treasuring these little lives that have yet to come to fruition. They are also choosing to give other couples, like us, an opportunity to grow and raise a little one. We feel a special calling to be able to be used to give life to one of these embryos.

This process could go quickly or take some time. Once we find an embryo that fits what we are looking for, we will essentially “hold it.” Someone will call us to give us even more info on that particular embryo. If we still believe that embryo is a good fit for us, we will then move forward with the necessary paperwork and funds to adopt that embryo.

The next step would be the embryo transfer, a procedure that includes implanting the embryo into my uterus. Since Shady Grove Fertility is nationwide, our embryo could come from any state! If the embryo is in Maryland, we may just drive there to have the procedure. If the embryo is in Florida, we most likely will have the embryo shipped to us and then have the procedure locally.

Through this process, I will need to take estrogen and progesterone daily for at least 2 months after the embryo transfer. There is a 50% chance of the embryo’s survival after the transfer. If the embryo does not survive, we will try another embryo transfer.

Here is where you come in. We would love and appreciate support from our family and friends. We are in need of both prayer support and financial support. Unfortunately, our insurance covers 0% of fertility costs. The cost to move forward with this process is about $18,000. This cost would cover administration fees and up to 6 tries with an embryo transfer. If the embryo survives on the first try, we cannot use the funds for an additional embryo adoption (we would need to raise another $18,000 for an additional embryo adoption down the road). However, if the embryo does not survive on the first try, we would be able to use the funds raised to have 5 more tries.

We do not want to pressure anyone in any way to give us money. Please pray about supporting us financially and follow how the Spirit leads you. We do need your prayers. Please pray that God would continue to open the doors for us if this is what He has for us. We want to trust the Lord’s will and timing. Please pray for unity for Mark and I as we make decisions, experience stressors, undergo hormone treatments, and seek to trust the Lord.

Any funds given to us will be used only for this treatment/procedure unless indicated by you otherwise with your donation. If funds were given, and we felt that God was closing the doors, we would return the funds sent. Thank you so much for your support as we move ahead on this journey. You ARE a part of this process whether or not you give financially. You ARE valuable to us, and your prayer support will help carry us, as we endeavor to rely on God’s direction and wisdom.

We are excited for what God has in store for us and for how He will grow our family. If He continues to lead us in this direction and the embryo transfer is successful, we may pursue other children. We may consider another embryo adoption or another form of adoption. We may also pursue having children in our lives in other ways.

What we know for sure is that we will take one step at a time in faith and trust. God is our Provider and Helper, and He promises to be with us. Isaiah 41:10 and Proverbs 3:5-6 state, “And do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths smooth and straight [removing obstacles that block your way].”

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!

With Love,

Mark and Jen Ferrarello