IVF Fund for Baby Lyutko

Hello! My name is Jan Hunter and I write today in support of Jenny and Nazariy Lyutko, speaking on behalf of their friends and family in Santa Barbara, CA. Words can't describe the deep and valuable friendship my husband Addison and I share with this incredible couple. From navigating high school together as kids, to leaning on one another as we transitioned into adulthood, I was given the honor of standing by Jenny's side when she finally married the love of her life, Nazariy, under a wooden gazebo at their favorite park, just a few blocks from their home. Since then, I have watched their beautiful relationship blossom and their own little family begin to grow with the introduction of their two special fur babies: Riley and Indie. 

But beyond the precious love that a fur baby brings, I have known for years that having children of their own was part of God's plan for Jenny and Nazariy. Jenny's passion for kids was evident for years in her role as a teacher at Little Angels Preschool, where day in and day out she provided guidance and encouragement to her students with a loving and patient heart. I have also been witness to Nazariy's role as an uncle, a task he takes on with so much pride, his niece and nephew being true sources of joy and always held close to his heart. So it came as the most amazing surprise, after 1 blissful year of marriage, when they found out that they were expecting.

The next few weeks became a time of elation, excitement, anticipation and, most importantly, the beginning of an unconditional love for this new life that they had created together. But hope turned to loss on September 16th, 2017, when Jenny discovered she had suffered a miscarriage, early in her pregnancy. To witness one of my best friends experience such a devastating heartbreak was immeasurably hard. 

This tragedy started a journey that neither Jenny or Nazariy could have ever anticipated. The past two years since their miscarriage have consisted of continual efforts to conceive naturally, which eventually led to the pursuit of alternative fertility options. Under the guidance of their doctor, they began IUI treatments, all three of which have been unsuccessful. After extensive conversations, and at the advice of their fertility doctor, Jenny and Nazariy have decided to pursue IVF treatment. 

The heartache of beginning each month with newly forged hope and determination only to be left again without a pregnancy is an immeasurable pain. It is something so personal that words often fail to convey the true meaning of such loss. Jenny and Nazariy have known this void, time and time again, and after a long and hard decision process, they have chosen to embrace their own vulnerability in this struggle to conceive and let people into their infertility journey. And yet even through their darkest times and personal heartbreak, they continue to be the most caring and selfless people, always there to offer a ray of light for those who need it. It is in this spirit that those that hold this couple close have decided that it is our turn to shine a light on them. 

As many know who have struggled with infertility, treatment does not come cheap, and unfortunately, insurance will not cover IVF treatment. It is our hope that you would consider donating toward their medical costs and toward helping these two incredible souls start the family they so desperately want and are meant to have. We want the Lyutko's to be as prepared as possible and comforted in the knowledge that there are so many people who care for them. With that in mind, this GoFundMe will aid in providing a portion of the IVF procedure ($11,000) and medications to support and prepare for treatment ($4,000-$6,000). 

Thank you for all of your love and support on Jenny and Nazariy's journey to conceiving Baby Lyutko!

And please, continue your prayers for this couple. They appreciate it more than you know!