Caregiving has been the constant thread of my life. Long before I ever imagined a future of my own, I was caring for other people’s children, supporting families through everyday moments and big life transitions. Working in childcare has taught me how much love lives inside ordinary days. It has also helped heal parts of me I once thought would always feel broken. I have loved this work deeply, and I still do. Because of that, asking for help does not come naturally. I am used to being the one who shows up, who holds space, who gives. There is a quiet discomfort in admitting that I now need support myself. Still, I am learning that vulnerability is not weakness, and that allowing others to walk beside us can be its own form of care.

For a long time, I did not believe I would ever have a family of my own. After my divorce, as I began dating again, I gently laid that dream down. It felt safer to stop hoping than to carry the possibility of loss. Motherhood became something I supported in others, not something I allowed myself to imagine. Then I met Jack. Loving him changed something in me. In him, I found a partner who sees me fully, who meets me with steadiness and kindness, and who holds me up in moments when I feel unsure. With him, I allowed myself to believe again. Not just in love, but in the possibility of growing that love into a family we share together.

After taking time to focus on our health and feeling ready to take that step, we experienced the joy of pregnancy, followed by the heartbreak of loss. Since then, we have been moving forward gently, learning more about our fertility and the options available to us. We want to be honest that we are still early in this journey, and we hold deep respect for families who walk much longer and harder paths. At the same time, we are incredibly grateful for the science, care, and hope available to us as we take these next steps. We started this fundraiser quietly and thoughtfully. The support raised will help cover fertility care, treatments, and medications as we move forward. More than anything, it offers us a sense of steadiness, allowing us to take each step with less fear and more trust in the future we are working toward. Thank you for being here and for listening to our story. Any support, whether through donating, sharing, or simply holding us in your thoughts, is received with deep gratitude.