Jeff Runs for BabyQuest

On November 19, I’m going to attempt to cross a huge goal off my bucket list – run a full marathon (the Philadelphia Marathon).  I injured myself during training on my first attempt 6 years ago, and realized I would need to be smart if I was going to try again and follow a disciplined training program.  As of this writing, I’m 12 weeks through my 18 week program, and so far my body and spirit have held up well.  When I originally decided to run this race, personal achievement was the primary focus.  That has since changed.

Some of you know, and some of you don’t know, but Rachel and I have had a very rough year, but it didn’t start out that way.  We found out we were pregnant last September.  The news of our first pregnancy was one of the best moments of our lives, but that joy was quickly replaced with sadness when we discovered that the pregnancy had miscarried 8 weeks into the term.  We went through a grieving period, regrouped, and decided to try again.  We were lucky enough to get pregnant quickly the second time, but in contrast to the first time, the elation of expecting was replaced with nervousness and apprehension.  Unfortunately, our greatest fears were realized when we visited the doctor and found out we had suffered another miscarriage.  A huge punch to the gut.  We had to stop, take a breath, and regroup.

We began visiting a reproductive clinic shortly after the second miscarriage on our doctor’s recommendation.  After the initial consult, we began to evaluate if this was an option we wanted to pursue.  Sure, our odds may improve if we worked with a fertility specialist, but the costs were staggering.  The medicine, treatment, and testing can easily run upwards of $25,000 out of pocket, and that’s if everything works the first time.  For most people, insurance does NOT cover these costs or at least an adequate amount, and the patient is responsible for covering the costs of treatment. 

We did some digging, and fortunately, never had to choose between financial security and maximizing our odds of a successful pregnancy.  We found out that our insurance covers basically all costs associated with treatment and testing.  In fact, the policy was changed (for the better) just 1 month before we started treatment.  We are grateful every day for this incredible stroke of luck.

This is where we get back to the marathon.  While Rachel and I were fortunate enough to be covered for our expenses, most are not.  So this year, I’m running for those who can’t afford their own treatment.  There are countless stories of people who have tried to get pregnant for years without success and then when turning to fertility treatment, quickly realize they can’t afford the price tag or have to take out a second mortgage on their home to experience the joys of parenthood.  We want to give these people the opportunity to feel that joy without making a financial sacrifice that could cripple their future.

There are several organizations who offer grant programs to patients seeking financial assistance for fertility treatment.  I’ve done my research, and I believe BabyQuest (http://babyquestfoundation.org/) delivers the greatest impact.  They offer fertility grants to families of all types of backgrounds focusing on those most in need.

Rachel and I are kicking off the campaign with a $600 contribution.  We’ll add another $200 if I finish the race, another $200 if I finish under 4 hours (my goal time), and $20 for every minute I finish under 4 hours.  We hope that you’ll join our campaign and contribute anything you can to the cause.  Every little bit helps and will be appreciated, and of course will go a long way towards helping someone realize their dream of parenthood.

We’ll share updates as the race approaches and of course keep you posted as we move through all of the fertility steps ourselves, hopefully resulting in a successful pregnancy!

Rachel and I are truly touched and honored to have your support.  Thank you.