Operation Baby Duddy - IVF

Dear Family and Friends,

The time has come where we just have to put aside our pride and ask for help. The reason being is that we are out of time. We are not capable of conceiving naturally. At this point, IVF with a donor egg is our only option. Mikel is 48 and as such, she has a low ovarian reserve and egg quality.  To make matters worse, my sperm tests low motility and abnormal morphology. 

In the United States, IVF with fresh donor eggs can cost up to $45,000. Although, we would prefer to stay here in America to undergo fertility treatment, we know that is not possible. We found a clinic in the Czech Republic that performs IVF with donor egg for a significant amount less. The total cost, including air fare and hotel, is around $15,000. Mikel will turn 49 this September. The Czech Republic will not treat her once she turns 49. 

We want you to know that we did attempt to get assistance with the funding via three different grants.  Unfortunately, we were not chosen.

The Clinic of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology in Zlin www.ivfzlin.cz is accredited with ISO certification. Since 2001 The Clinic has distinguished itself as a private Medical facility which offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative care in the field of gynecology as well as infertility treatment. Most important, we know and have spoken to other couples who have had success at this particular clinic.

                                       In Case You Don’t Know Us

My name is Erick. My wife, Mikel and I have been together for fourteen years; married almost four. I was adopted and recently found my birth parents. The experience has been quite joyful. Just as I was reuniting with my birth parents, my adoptive father, my best friend, passed away. The discovery of my birth parents as well as, the passing of my dad, has made my desire to start my own family even more important to me.

In May of this year, I earned my BSN from California State University, Los Angeles. The week prior to graduating, I began my career as a nurse at USC Keck, Verdugo Hills. Mikel is an indoor cycling instructor at Equinox and USA Fitness. She is not your typical 48-year-old. She is in excellent health and has been cleared by her doctors to carry a pregnancy to term.

In 2014 we decided that it was the right time to start our family. We tried to conceive naturally but were unsuccessful. Since then, we have been to several fertility clinics, seen quite a few fertility doctors, and have attempted various fertility drugs; both homeopathic and traditional. Our Infertility has been heartbreaking and soul crushing.

We are determined not to allow infertility to define who we are.  We are so fortunate to have each other on this journey called life.  Yet, adding a child to our family would only enrich the journey.  Please help us make our dream become a reality.

We are the Duddy’s and we need your help!