Join the Fight for Baby Bailey While telling our story is painful, we’ve come to realize at some point everyone needs help… The Beginning of their Lives Together They met 6 years ago through Kevin’s brother and instantly knew that they were something special. You see Kevin is prior Active Duty Air Force and Megan was in the Air Force reserves at the time, so you can imagine they had a lot to talk about. As Kevin’s mom would say, they were so much alike it was scary! It turned into one of those whirlwind relationships that come out of nowhere and change your life forever... After years of fun and adventure, hiking, camping, traveling, Kevin proposed to Megan on their favorite hiking trail. On April 17, 2015 Kevin and Megan said I do during a small, intimate gathering off the Verde River with close friends and family. They felt so blessed and were excited to start their lives as a married couple. Two blue heelers and a cat later, they were ready to try and start a family.  Megan has struggled for years with a condition called PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome. This syndrome causes an imbalance in reproductive hormones, causing obesity, infertility and other serious health issues. Megan has always tried to combat this condition by eating healthy and exercising regularly but after trying naturally, the couple realized they needed help. The Beginning of their Fertility Journey Their first experience with a fertility doctor was a nightmare and after trying three at home medicated cycles, were told their only option was IVF. After much devastation, the two took a year off trying to cope with this information. A year later, stronger, healthy and post Crossfit, the couple decided to get a second opinion and met with another clinic. So much hope started at this appointment, they assured them that their issues were minor and they did not need to jump to IVF. However, at a baseline ultrasound, the doctor discovered an 8 cm teratoma (mass) on Megan’s right ovary. Surgery was required as soon as possible, otherwise risk ovarian torsion or loss of the ovary. Thankfully, to the amazing doctors at the Mayo Clinic, the ovary was saved and the mass was removed and noncancerous. Two years later, 2018, 30 pounds down and a new strength between them, they decided to go back to the clinic to try again. This time, everything looked great, all tests were clear and they started down the road of 3 IUIs. The first cycle with clomid produced two perfect follicles and plenty of mood swings and hot flashes, poor Kevin, but no success. They were aware that the chances of the first IUI working was less than the others, so they maintained optimism going into the next cycle with injectables. This cycle was a hybrid of clomid and injections of Gonal-f, 7 shots later, the doctors created 4 great follicles but she did have a minor case of OHSS, hyperstimulation, that can happen with injectables and PCOS. This caused a build up of fluid in her abdomen, nausea and feeling pretty crummy.  Megan and Kevin were devastated to find out that this cycle did not work either and struggled with starting the third and final cycle. To make sure they weren’t missing anything, Megan went through another slew of tests including a saline ultrasound, a second HSG and more blood work to check her thyroid, all normal. The third IUI was the most challenging for them, something about knowing that this is the last shot and finding out days before Christmas gave them both hope and so much fear. Unfortunately, after many prayers and all the hoping, this cycle was a fail. They chose to keep the final cycle private because the pain of sharing their failure can be gut wrenching. Their only option now is IVF (in vitro fertilization). Where are they now? Megan works at the Mayo Clinic as a cardiovascular technician but is on the waitlist for nursing school. Kevin is a computer programmer that went to school at Devry University after his time served in the Air Force. Though the insurance offered is excellent, they do not cover but 50% of infertility services. Who ever thought that two healthy people who love each other and work hard would not be able to start a family because of the outrageous costs of IVF.  It is an awful feeling, to feel you failed and sharing our story is so painful and personal. But, we are willing to do whatever it takes to bring our own Baby Bailey home. Our estimate from the doctor was about $20,000 all in for the IVF, this would be more medications, egg retrieval, ultrasounds, bloodwork, the culture and fertilization from the embryologist, possible freezing and later transfer. Mayo clinic insurance will pay for half and Kevin’s insurance has no coverage. After paying $4400 over the last 4 months, they are humbly asking for your help to come up with the final $10,000. Anything will help them on the road to realizing their dream of being parents. Anyone who meets them knows their desire to be a mother and father and would give anything to realize this dream. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and opening your hearts to their story. They humbly ask that you share this page and thank you for being a part of their lives and this journey. Thank you for your support, they can’t fight this alone anymore! Please consider blessing them with the opportunity to create a family.