Help Sonia & Ricardo Start Their Family Through IVF

Hi, my name is Sonia. Although this is hard to share, we’ve decided to open up and ask for help as we begin our IVF journey.

Ricardo and I have been together since 2010, when we met while working at a paintball park — and we’ve been inseparable ever since. About five years ago, we started talking seriously about starting a family. Like most people, we thought it would be simple — we were young, healthy (as far as we knew), and ready.

But as time passed and nothing happened, we began seeing doctors and doing testing. For over three years now, I’ve been in and out of appointments, left with more questions than answers. At one point, I was told I likely have PCOS, which helped explain the struggles I’ve had with irregular cycles, weight, and lack of ovulation. We tried multiple treatments after that, but sadly, they all failed.

A few months ago, we met with a fertility specialist to explore our next options. After more testing and ultrasounds, the doctor said my ovaries are smaller than average and believes I may have endometriosis — which can only be diagnosed through surgery. Based on my symptoms, she suspects it could be both endometriosis and PCOS.

At this point, we’ve reached a place where we can’t wait any longer. I’m now 38, and our doctor told us this is the time to move forward, as fertility declines more rapidly after this age. The good news is that, even with small ovaries, she saw a few good eggs and encouraged us to start IVF as soon as possible.

So here we are — beginning IVF this month.

IVF is extremely expensive. We didn’t have much to begin with, and what we did have went toward the many treatments we’ve already tried. We’re now looking at loans that will be hard for us to manage. So we’re asking — as hard and humbling as it is — for help.

If you feel moved to help in any way — by donating, sharing this with your circle, or just sending positive thoughts — we’d be incredibly grateful. It doesn’t have to be much. Truly, every little bit helps.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, and thank you for being part of our journey. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we take this next step toward the family we’ve been dreaming of.

With love and gratitude,

Sonia & Ricardo