Help Manage CF and IVF Costs for the Mesfin's

Immediately after we got married Aryana and I (Kirubel) knew we wanted to have a child and grow our family to share in the love we have. Over a year ago, Aryana and I sought medical assistance to conceive a child. I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis as a child and have managed treatment and symptoms for my whole life.  I learned it would be difficult for us to have a child conventionally since 98% of men with Cystic Fibrosis are infertile. Cystic Fibrosis prevents the development of a vas deferens and the result is like that of a vasectomy. IVF gives us the highest likelihood of conception and reduces the risk that I will pass on CF to our child.

We knew we wanted to have a child early in our marriage for several reasons. Not least of which is that I know Cystic Fibrosis will likely significantly affect my abilities and health in middle age as well as reducing my expected lifespan. I want to be fully present and active in my child's life for as long as God will allow me!

This past Monday (August 19th), I was admitted to the hospital because I was coughing up blood. After a lot of different scans, Aryana and I learned that my Cystic Fibrosis has been taking a significant toll on my body over the past 5+ years and the damage to my lungs has progressed significantly. I am very fortunate that the University of Missouri has an amazing Cystic Fibrosis team that I am working with, and that medicine and treatment have come a long way, but hospital and medicine costs are piling up much sooner than we hoped.

Our out-of-pocket expenses for just one of the handful of new medications I need to treat my CF can be as expensive as $4000 per month. Aryana and I find ourselves in the middle of an impossible decision. Paying for my medications will very quickly siphon off the money we have been working to save for our IVF. However, my quality of life will certainly rapidly decline without the CF treatment. 

Aryana and I have been blessed with extremely supportive families and we have an amazing community surrounding us. This situation has certainly taken an emotional and stressful toll on both of us. 

Thank you so much for your support and prayers!

We could also use help navigating the complexities of insurance, medical bills, medicaid, and likely eventually disability. If anyone has any expertise in these areas please do not hesitate to reach out.