Journey for Baby Burgart

Hey guys!
Many of you reading this may know a little about Meagan and Ryan's story -- here's my best attempt at giving you all a quick overview of their journey.  For those of you who don't know, I have known Meagan my entire life (our parents are best friends) and I like to say I'm the sister she never had. ;) Ok, here we go...

When Meagan was a freshman in high school they found a malignant tumor the size of a football (yes, a football!) in her ovary.  The treatment plan was aggressive; chemo, radiation, and removing one ovary.  Many of you will remember this Meagan vividly - walking the halls of Temple High School rockin' a wig, colorful wrap, and even, at times, the most perfectly round bald head. I remember thinking during this time, how is she doing this?!  How is she still so positive and happy?! But that's Meagan.  She did what she had to do and she beat it!!

Fast forward 11ish years and many cancer free scans later, Meagan met Ryan.  Ironically, he happened to be my boyfriend's (now husband) best friend! WHAT?!  Something we always dreamed about as little girls...marrying best friends, continuing our "framily" beach trips to Surf Side, having kids together and them growing up to be best friends!  IT WAS ACTUALLY HAPPENING!  Our plan was solidified on June 11, 2016 when Ryan and Meagan "finally" (in Mark and Marla's words) got married!!  Their first year of marriage was rocking and rolling and baby talk was in the air, until the very thing happened we had all hoped and prayed would never happen again...

Almost to the exact day, 15 years later, Meagan was faced with the same dreadful news; they found a mass the size of a softball on her existing ovary.  The next few weeks were a whirlwind.  It seemed like everyday the news changed - the doctors believed the mass was benign, they believed they could save her only ovary in hopes she could still bare her own children.  Two weeks after surgery, pathology came back. Not only was the tumor malignant but it was the same rare form of cancer she had as a teenager.  The doctors said, and I quote, "Go buy a lottery ticket, you are a phenomenon."  They had never seen this rare cancer appear twice in the same person.  Well, I'm not positive if she went and bought a lotto ticket, but I assure you she did not feel lucky. By the grace of God, she did not have to undergo another gruesome round of chemo but they did have to take her last existing ovary.  I'd like to throw a quick shout out to Ryan...I can't even begin to imagine what he was going through as he helplessly sat by his wife's side every.single.day.

Earlier this month, and after many follow-up scans and testing, they finally received the thumbs up to start the process of picking an egg donor and IVF!! So Meagan will still be able to carry her baby - which is such a blessing for her! As you all know, this process is VERY expensive on top of their medical expenses that they will accrue every single year to insure that Meagan remains cancer free.

I tell you their story because I feel it in my heart to help in any way I can.  If you find it in your heart to donate, no matter how small, I know they will be forever grateful for your blessing.  More than anything, they welcome your thoughts and prayers as they continue this journey towards parenthood and a happy, healthy life!