Samantha and Sean are loving, silly, and generous, and they are known by their friends, family, and coworkers for one thing above all else: bringing people together for fun and connection.

Sean and Samantha met and fell in love in 2007. They grew up alongside each other and together. They have accomplished many of life’s big “adult” milestones together – from their first apartment, to Samantha’s BFA in theater and Sean’s certification in Game Design, to moving from Oregon to Washington, to their beautiful wedding in 2018. After growing together through all of life’s moments, they are ready for their next big journey together: becoming parents.

Due to Samantha’s complex and painful medical diagnosis, that dream is a race against time - and IVF is their only option.

A Difficult Medical Journey

In May of 2023, Sean and Samantha decided it was the right time for them to start a family together. After several months with no success, they sought medical advice. Nothing alarmed physicians, so they continued to feel the heartbreak every month with no answer in sight.

In October of 2024, Sean suffered several strokes from an injury. Their community rallied around them, and they decided to take a step back and focus on Sean’s health. While he has since made a full recovery and they are feeling incredible gratitude for his health, the emotional and financial tolls instilled an even greater sense of urgency to begin building their family.

In May of 2025, after two years of trying to start their family, Samantha went to a new doctor who listened and took her concerns seriously. After testing and an exploratory surgery, she was diagnosed with stage four endometriosis and told that her fallopian tubes are completely blocked. Her doctor told her she has a 1 in 100,000 chance of conceiving naturally, and that even if she could, she is at extremely high risk of an ectopic pregnancy, which could threaten her life. The doctors also found fibroids, and while they are currently not in the way, if they progress further, IVF may no longer be an option. Her fertility window is closing, and her best chance is right now.

Despite these trials, Samantha and Sean are moving forward with hope and courage. Their doctors have recommended IVF because it gives them their best and safest chance of having biological children, but they can’t do it alone.

Why They Need Help

Sean and Samantha are both hardworking professionals with stable careers who have saved as much as they can while paying off their student loans. Sean is a Core Systems Administrator at a credit union in Tacoma, and Samantha is the Chief of Staff at Greentrike, a nonprofit that powers children’s museums and early learning programs in Pierce County. They have good health insurance, but even with a diagnosis of infertility, IVF is considered an “elective” procedure and is not covered by their plan.

One IVF cycle costs over $20,000, and success often takes multiple rounds.

Why This Means Everything

Above everything, this is about Samantha and Sean’s desire to be parents. They want to create a family built on joy and connection and pour their love for life into their children. They imagine DnD campaigns around the dining room table, weekends spent in Seaside and Canon Beach, going to Rainiers games, exploring their city together, and all the quality time they can get with their families.

Whether Sean’s hosting an epic summer game night complete with medals and barbeque or Samantha’s playing the best Janet you’ve ever seen in Rocky Horror at the Tacoma Musical Playhouse, they show up with open hearts. Now, they’re asking their community to show up for them in their dream of becoming parents.

How You Can Help

IVF treatment is their best, and only option to bring a child into this world. If you’re able to contribute financially, Sean and Samantha would be incredibly grateful. Every single donation helps get them closer to holding their baby. If you can’t donate, simply sharing this fundraiser with others can make a huge difference.

Thank you for taking the time to read Sean and Samantha’s story. Your support means the world.

Venmo: @SamanthaRoseVale