Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers,

We’re Patty and Reph, and we’ve been dreaming of starting our family for a long time. Our bond is real, and our commitment runs deep. We've been partners in life and love for over 25 years. After years of trying to conceive “naturally” and quietly navigating the heartbreak and challenges of infertility, we are now stepping forward with hope and urgency toward IVF.

Patty was born in Puerto Rico, and Reph in NYC. We're both proud of being raised Uptown. We attended public schools, were educated in the CUNY system, and were shaped by the rhythm and grit of the Bronx and Washington Heights. We met during the first Hip-Hop Theater Festival over Thai food and long conversations about dreams, politics, and purpose. We've been in deep conversation ever since.

Our lives have been dedicated to giving. As artists, educators, and community leaders, we’ve poured our energy into uplifting others, helping young people write their first songs, stage their first plays, and find their voices. As Circa '95, we’ve performed on legendary stages like Carnegie Hall and alongside everyday heroes at community runs across the city. We lead weekly track workouts called Track 4 The People, open to all, free of charge, because we believe running and wellness are for everyone. What we do and who we are is deeply rooted in the fabric of NYC.

We’ve waited to start a family not because of a lack of love, but because we lacked security. Patty lost her father at 19, and her mother lives in an elderly care facility in the Bronx. Reph is an only child with aging parents. His family is committed to grassroots organizing. We had to build a strong foundation before we could imagine bringing a child into the world.

Patty earned her B.A. from Hunter College and MFA from the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema at Brooklyn College. She now works at a documentary film organization, helping underrepresented filmmakers tell the stories that matter. Reph graduated with honors from City College as a student athlete, running track and cross-country, and since then, he continues to train and coach, with the goal of making running accessible to all. (His current marathon PR is 2:58!) When we started running 13 years ago, we signed up for the Hunts Point Hustle, our first 5k in the South Bronx. It took us about an hour to complete. We promised ourselves to get better and bring our joy of running to everyone we knew. We’ve come a long way with running and the arts, bringing our community along for the ride.

We’ve spent decades championing others—young people, fellow artists, and runners. Now, it’s our turn to ask for help.

Patty’s 46th birthday is on November 13. By the time she turns 47, IVF will no longer be an option. We’ve been trying to conceive for over 4 years. Patty was diagnosed with having Fibroids, which can cause complications. She’s quietly endured countless medical procedures, doctor visits, and tough news, all while showing up every day for her work and community with strength and grace. But time is no longer on our side. IVF is our best and last chance.

Why We’re Asking for Help

IVF is expensive, especially without insurance coverage. The full cost of treatment, medications, monitoring, and related procedures is $30,000+. We need to raise these funds within the next 30 days to move forward with treatment and pay down our medical bills.

We’re turning to our community friends, family, fellow runners, artists, parents, and believers in love to help us cross this finish line.

What Your Support Will Cover

Phase 1: Morning Monitoring Phase — $2,754.00

Medical Management — $805.00

Ultrasound Studies — $1,250.00

Venipuncture — $58.00

Lab Fees — $641.00

Phase 2: Retrieval & Laboratory Phase — $9,854.00

Follicle Puncture for Oocyte Retrieval — $2,250.00

Ultrasonic Guidance for Aspiration — $220.00

Identification of Oocytes — $750.00

Culture of Oocytes/Embryos — $2,000.00

Sperm Isolation — $326.00

Assisted Hatching — $888.00

Insemination — $1,895.00

Extended Culture — $1,525.00

Phase 3: PGT / Cryopreservation Phase — $3,705.00

PGT Biopsy — $2,500.00

Embryo Cryopreservation — $1,205.00

Base IVF Cycle Costs

IVF Cycle (Payable to Columbia University Fertility Center) — $16,313.00

Anesthesia — $650.00

Total IVF Cycle Fees: $16,963.00

Wellness & Preparation Costs

Acupuncture — $1,781.82

Supplements — $1,440.00

(Prenatal, DHA, Methyl, Vitamin D-5000, CoQ10, Probiotic)

Specialty Medications

Follistim 900 IU — 3 cartridges @ $682.80 = $2,048.40

Menopur 75 IU — 36 vials @ $85.90 = $3,092.40

Ganirelix 250 mcg — 8 syringes @ $76.40 = $611.20

Novarel 5,000 IU — 1 vial = $89.99

Pregnyl 10,000 IU — 1 vial = $117.90

Leuprolide 4 mg Trigger — 1 syringe = $174.00

Needles & Syringes — $12.00

Specialty Medication Subtotal: $6,055.90

Local Pharmacy Medications

Azithromycin — $6.28

Clomid — $143.00

Local Medication Subtotal: $149.28

MEDICATION TOTAL: $6,205.18

Total IVF Medical & Medication Cost: $26,390.00

Estimated Total with Inflation & Price Increases: $30,000.00

FUNDRAISING GOFUNDME GOAL: $33,000

How You Can Help

Those who donate will receive updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into our IVF journey. We want you to be part of this story and to celebrate with us when we welcome our child into the world.

This Means Everything to Us

This isn’t just a medical procedure; it's the key to the next chapter of our lives. To make this dream a reality, we believe in love, science, and the power of community. Thank you for believing in us and for being part of our story. We can’t wait to introduce you to our future baby, made possible by your generosity.

With love, hope, and gratitude,

Patty & Reph ❤️