I’m starting this fundraiser on behalf of my dear friends, Kristara and Derek, who have been walking a long and emotional road toward starting a family. After 12 years of trying to conceive and countless appointments, they recently found out why it’s been so difficult, and that IVF is their only chance to have a biological child. They’ve stayed hopeful through so much, and I’d love to help them get the support that they need to finally start their family. Being an aunt and uncle to their nieces and nephews has brought them so much joy, and they would love to have a child of their own.

As most people know, IVF is an expensive and difficult process. Although the BC government has approved some financial assistance with IVF for 2025-2026, the funding has run out this year, and it is unlikely they will qualify next year due to the volume of applications. Time is of the essence with this process due to specific medical circumstances, and they cannot wait for provincial funding that may, or may not come. The goal of this fundraiser is to help cover the cost of one of their embryo transfers (approx. $7,000), hopefully happening in 2026. The total cost of this journey is expected to be upwards of $35,000. Kristara and Derek have been carefully saving to make this dream possible and are committed to moving forward regardless of donations. Any contributions received through this fundraiser will simply help lighten the financial load and allow them to focus on what matters most - growing their family.

As long as I have known Kristara, she has longed to become a mom; that dream is finally within reach and any help we can offer her and Derek along the way (donations, thoughts, prayers, sharing of experiences), is greatly appreciated.