A Teacher's Dream: From Classroom to Cradle

My family-building journey began six years ago when I first realized that achieving my lifelong dream of becoming a mother would require careful planning and medical intervention. I am now 40 years old, and over the past few years, I have undergone numerous treatments, surgeries, and emotional challenges as I’ve worked toward this goal. My journey is defined by persistence and determination in the face of unexpected obstacles.

In my mid-20s, I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), which significantly impacted my ability to conceive naturally. As I approached my late 30s, I knew that time wasn’t on my side, so I began taking proactive steps toward conception. I started my initial fertility testing in late 2018, but faced setbacks from bouncing between doctors and the delays caused by the Covid pandemic. After being able to refocus on becoming a mother in 2022, I underwent surgery to remove a uterine polyp, a critical procedure that had to be completed before I could move forward with fertility treatments. I felt optimistic that this surgery would be the first step in overcoming my fertility challenges.

Originally, I had planned to move forward with using a sperm donor, but life took an unexpected turn when I reconnected with my partner in 2022. We had dated 22 years ago and found our way back to each other after he filed for divorce. He has two wonderful children from his previous marriage, and I have made my home their home. His children love me, and we’ve already built a strong bond as a family. My partner has seen how great I am with his children, and it’s made him want to see me experience the joy of being a mother and raising children of my own with him. In October 2023, he underwent a vasectomy reversal so that we could attempt to conceive together. Although we aren’t married, we’ve established a legal co-parenting agreement and are committed to building a family together.

However, life threw several personal and physical challenges my way. In February 2023, my mother, whom I had been caring for as her guardian, passed away after a long illness. Her loss was a devastating emotional blow, compounded by a car accident I was involved in just a month later in March 2023. This delayed my plans even further, but despite the emotional and physical setbacks, I remained committed to my goal of becoming a mother.

After healing and regrouping, I resumed my focus on fertility treatments. In July 2023, I reached a significant milestone by undergoing an egg retrieval procedure. Thankfully, we were able to successfully retrieve and mature four eggs, which was a huge moment of hope in my journey. I felt as though I was finally making real progress toward building my family.

Yet again, another hurdle emerged. In 2024, I had to undergo a second surgery to remove two more uterine polyps. This surgery delayed my fertility treatments once again, but it was necessary to ensure that my uterus was ready for the next phase of treatment. Once I had recovered from the surgery, I moved forward with two IUI cycles, both of which, unfortunately, ended in failure. Each failed cycle was emotionally devastating, but I continued to push forward, knowing that the journey to motherhood is rarely without challenges.

In addition to the fertility challenges, later in 2023, I had another unexpected setback. I injured my knee in an accident at the beach, which required surgery. This further delayed my treatments and added another layer of physical recovery to my already challenging journey.

While these medical treatments have been essential to my progress, they have also come with a significant financial strain. The costs of multiple surgeries, medications, and fertility treatments have been overwhelming, especially given that insurance has not covered most of these expenses. Despite this financial burden, I remain determined to continue my journey toward becoming a mother.

Alongside these medical treatments, I have also embraced holistic approaches to support my fertility, such as acupuncture, dietary changes, and herbal treatments. I’ve worked closely with specialists, undergone extensive hormone testing, and monitored my ovulation cycles in an effort to give myself the best possible chance at success. While the road has been long and fraught with challenges, I remain committed to building the family I have always dreamed of.

Over the past six years, my journey has been anything but easy, filled with emotional, physical, and financial challenges. From surgeries to personal losses to failed treatments, I’ve faced numerous setbacks, but each one has only strengthened my resolve. Despite everything, I remain hopeful and optimistic, knowing that I am taking all the necessary steps to make my dream of becoming a mother a reality.

More than anything, I want you to know how deeply I long to be a mother. This dream has been at the heart of my life for many years, and despite countless setbacks, my commitment has only grown stronger.

Now at 40, I feel an even greater urgency. My age sometimes limits my eligibility for grants, or significantly raises treatment costs due to the added complexities of fertility at this stage. The financial strain has become overwhelming, despite my efforts to keep pushing forward.

Beyond my fertility journey, I am a passionate educator who has devoted my career to helping others succeed. As a teacher, I’ve always believed in the power of hard work, persistence, and resilience. These values guide not just my work, but my personal life as well. I pour myself into the lives of my students, always striving to make a positive impact. Now, I am channeling that same energy and determination into my family-building journey.

Any support I receive would mean the world to me. It would allow me to take the next steps in my journey without the constant worry of how to finance my treatments. It is more than financial assistance—it is a lifeline, a chance for me to pursue my dream of motherhood without the crushing burden of financial limitations.

With Love and Gratitude,

Adrienne