Hey there, please take a moment to read this story from Brittany and Stephen about their struggles with infertility. IVF is their last hope, but it is a costly one. If you feel moved to help, please consider donating or sharing their GoFundMe link. Thank you for your kindness!

Dearest family and friends (and anyone else who may stumble across this),

Brittany and I are determined to become parents, and — despite our deep reservations in asking for assistance — we are requesting your help in this endeavor.

We always knew we wanted to be parents. Despite my insecurities about my own potential as a father, I always knew Brittany would be an amazing mother. Even as I write this, I can see her mildly irked expression and hear her encouraging voice — you’ll be a great dad. So for her benefit as much as yours, I’ll add that my confidence in our ability to love and raise a child together has only grown as we have faced the various challenges of life together.

When we were first married nearly 10 years ago, I wanted to have a child with Brittany right away. She wisely encouraged patience on my part, and I will forever cherish the quality time we’ve been able to spend just with each other, building our life together.

But when we decided the time had come to have a child, the child never came. After trying to grow our family for the past 7 years (including several failed IUI attempts), we’re onto our final option for having a biological child: IVF.

The process up until now has been emotionally and physically exhausting for both of us, particularly for Brittany. It’s difficult to fully describe the effect these things have. A sense of desperation and pressure seeps its way into moments of intimacy that should be effortless expressions of love. Medications and shots and hormone treatments take their toll on Brittany’s body and mental health. Extensive testing to see where our bodies are failing us leads to painful anxiety and self-loathing.

We are not the first couple to experience the pain of infertility, nor will we be the last. It is not something we would wish upon anyone. But it is in these moments when we, despite our pride, must reach out for help from those who love us.

As you likely know, IVF is a costly and stressful process. By the time we could afford it on our own, our window for having a child would have likely passed. Every bit of extra income we can spare is going toward preparing for IVF, but the total cost — medications, procedures, labs, ultrasounds, travel — is overwhelming.

We are hoping to begin treatment in mid-March. If you feel moved to give, please know that your support is helping us pursue something profound: the chance to welcome a child into our family. A child who will know the boundless love of parents who so desperately want her/him.

We will share updates and milestones as we move forward. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for standing with us during this difficult period of our lives. If you are able, please consider helping us make our dream a reality.

Even if you are unable to contribute monetarily, we ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we embark on this next phase in our quest to become parents.

With all the love and gratitude we possess,

Stephen & Brittany Henderson