Help my best friend complete her family

Hi, my name is Shannon and my best friend, Cassandra, is looking for some help. She is a Solo Mom By Choice and used IUI to add my beautiful nephew Noel to her family. Here is her story:

My name is Cassandra Taylor. I am a 31-year-old Solo mom in Canada. Since I was little, having a family and children of my own has been my number one goal. After realizing that I was quickly approaching 30 and had not found a life partner to join me on this journey, I began a solo fertility journey in 2021. In the middle of covid, I underwent multiple tests and appointments to eventually conceive my beautiful son in 2021. My son, Noel, was conceived with the support of a sperm donor.

Noel is now 2.5 and we are ready to expand our family and add one final child to the family. In 2024 I began the fertility journey again, redoing testing to begin. Unfortunately, Noel was a large child (10 lb. 11 oz) which led to extensive healing, and it is unclear if this is going to affect my ability to conceive again. *At this point I have undergone 2 rounds of IUI which have been unsuccessful. IUI is covered under OHIP, and I have coverage for the trigger shot medication that I require, however the cost of the sperm sample, shipping and “cleaning” is NOT covered under OHIP or my personal benefits.

I was lucky enough to have a sample left at the clinic from my first fertility journey, so I did not have to pay for the first attempt. At this time, I have already spent approximately $2000 for the second attempt, and I will have to pay another $2000 for attempt #3. It is unknown if I will have to keep paying for attempts moving forward. This continues to eat into my ability to save for my maternity leave as a solo parent. My income became less than half of my salary when I was on my first Maternity leave, making my savings critically important for paying bills and other expenses. I would not trade that time with my son for anything, however, the financial component can be quite stressful in a single income home.

For those who have not had the experience of fertility treatment with a donor let me crunch some numbers:

Sperm Donor Sample bought June 12: $1487.30 after shipping

“Clean” and defrost fee at the clinic $450.

Total for attempt #2: 1937.30

Total estimated for attempt #3: 1937.30

At this time, I am asking for support on my fertility journey. Please help us complete our family.

*please see my blog following my first IUI/pregnancy journey

Just a little science and a Solo Mom (storyofasolomom.blogspot.com)