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Hello! We are Lauren and Paul Fortmiller.
We are math teachers who met in Linear Algebra class in college, became friends, and then started dating!
We got married in July of 2021!
Ever since we got married, Paul and I have been prayerfully awaiting when we would become parents, but unfortunately, in May of 2022 we received devastating news.
I was diagnosed with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. Basically, this means that I ran out of eggs in my ovaries at a very young age.
This means that we cannot conceive a child of our own naturally. I simply do not have any eggs that could be fertilized.
This condition also sent my body into premature menopause. These physical and hormonal symptoms have played a part in my need to change jobs as well.
It has been a tough year for us.
BUT - by the grace of God we got the news that there is nothing wrong with my body besides a lack of eggs.
This means I can still carry a child! This news was so sweet to my ears because it has always been a dream for me to become pregnant and give birth.
Now how is this possible?
Donor Embryos!
Many couples who go through fertility treatments have extra fertilized embryos after they have completed their families. Many choose to donate them to couples like Paul and myself. How generous, right?
The only trouble is that we have to pay for the embryo adoption process, the shipping of the embryos in cryogenic containers, the transfer, and the medications along the way.
Some of our costs are as follows:
We are math teachers who met in Linear Algebra class in college, became friends, and then started dating!
We got married in July of 2021!
Ever since we got married, Paul and I have been prayerfully awaiting when we would become parents, but unfortunately, in May of 2022 we received devastating news.
I was diagnosed with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. Basically, this means that I ran out of eggs in my ovaries at a very young age.
This means that we cannot conceive a child of our own naturally. I simply do not have any eggs that could be fertilized.
This condition also sent my body into premature menopause. These physical and hormonal symptoms have played a part in my need to change jobs as well.
It has been a tough year for us.
BUT - by the grace of God we got the news that there is nothing wrong with my body besides a lack of eggs.
This means I can still carry a child! This news was so sweet to my ears because it has always been a dream for me to become pregnant and give birth.
Now how is this possible?
Donor Embryos!
Many couples who go through fertility treatments have extra fertilized embryos after they have completed their families. Many choose to donate them to couples like Paul and myself. How generous, right?
The only trouble is that we have to pay for the embryo adoption process, the shipping of the embryos in cryogenic containers, the transfer, and the medications along the way.
Some of our costs are as follows:
- Application Fee - $375
- Adoption Fee - $6,800
- Home study - $1,800
- Embryo Shipping - $750
- Embryo Transfer - $4,774
As you can see, it can get pretty pricy!
Additionally, if the first round is not successful, we will need to repeat only the embryo transfer.
The chances of success are anywhere from 35%—60%.
We have looked at and prayed about so many options, private adoption, fostering, egg donors, and embryo donors.
Fostering is still on our hearts for the future, but we have decided embryo donation is what is best for us right now, personally and financially.
We would be so grateful if you would consider donating to help us on this journey to having a family!
Any donations would be used for the above expenses, and the money will come straight to us.
If you have questions or want to talk to us, please reach out.
Thank you so so much,
Lauren & Paul