To start with, we are Shelby and Matt Williams, and thank you for taking the time to read our story. Also, we wanted to express that this plea for help is not done lightly, and any amount of help given, even just sharing our story, is appreciated more than you can imagine.

"Failure to achieve" is pulled directly from the definition of infertility. That is exactly how it feels as well—a deep-rooted sense of failing.

The first signs that there was an issue surfaced in 2014. I (Shelby) was 21 years old. That was the first time I heard the term PCOS. I was prescribed meds and told that "not all women are meant to be mothers." It was the first of many moments of heartbreak throughout this journey. I did not return to that doctor.

2016-2018

We began trying to conceive for the first time. New meds, new doctor, additional vitamins, tons of appointments, exam after exam, dieting, ovulation tracking, and an abundance of negative tests.

2018

Decided to take a mental health break and focus on Kaylee and getting to enjoy helping other children blossom by teaching early preschool.

2020

After a serious car accident, Shelby had months of serious bleeding and had to undergo a D&C procedure. After healing, we were hopeful that maybe the procedure would help our chances, and we began trying again. We found a new doctor (our biggest supporter) and started over. New meds, additional vitamins, tons of appointments, more exams, dieting, ovulation tracking, and an abundance of negative tests.

2021

Matt was hurt at work and was no longer able to do his highly physical job full-time, leaving Shelby's wages to be our main source of income, drastically limiting our ability to afford specialty treatments.

2022

It was suggested by our doctor to add additional care by visiting the University of Iowa Healthcare Infertility Clinic for more in-depth help. That appointment was by far the most overwhelming appointment we have had to date. It was a substantial amount of information and a considerable amount of large numbers. IUI $500-$700 per procedure (up to 4 tries). IVF $20,000 a round (average). It was all disheartening to hear, but we continued. New meds, additional vitamins, tons of appointments, more exams, dieting, ovulation tracking, and an abundance of negative tests.

After more years of trying, additional procedures, and the addition of therapy, we are ready. Ready for our last round, our last chance. The next coming steps we cannot do on our own, but we truly feel we have more love to give, and we aren't ready to give up quite yet.