Abelardo Family Doula Fund

Hello,

My name is Gabriel Alaniz, team player on Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association's (CMSA) queer-friendly volleyball league. I was fortunate enough to receive the innate maternal gifts of Regi Abelardo, whose energy is so infectious and whose life philosophy is to make everyone feel included and safe. To bare the truth, if it weren't for Regi's natural knack for community building, I wouldn't have the safe haven that I have found in a like-minded queer friend group both on and off the courts. Regi has the largest heart, and the very same can be said of her charming, level-headed husband, Miguel Abelardo. The two of them are bravely embarking upon a life-changing journey as soon-to-be parents of a gorgeous son, and they are looking to their community of supporters for some assistance.

First-time parents, Regi and Miguel, are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their precious baby boy, and a group of their close friends have organized this doula fund to help underwrite the costs associated with using a doula for their child's arrival. Much of their friends pulling this fund together are queers without kids, but we can only imagine that being first time parents comes with so many questions. We would love to do our part for the couple, and on behalf of their newest addition, by supporting a doula to bring about some ease to this exciting yet daunting process of bringing new life into this world. I know with absolute certainty that, any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated by the growing Abelardo Family.

For those unfamiliar with doula services, the goal of a doula is to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to women and their families during labor, birth, and in the immediate postpartum period. It's important to the Abelardo's and their loved ones that the two of them have the advocacy of a doula to create a safe birthing space that they feel empowered and respected in.

On average, the running market price for doula services are $40/hr for a minimum of 10 hrs of service. The Abelardo Family's intent is to hire a doula to see them through the delivery of their son and attend to postpartum care.

On behalf of The Abelardo Family, we want to thank you all in advance for your generosity. Our greatest wish is to welcome a happy, healthy baby into their world and see to it that Regi and Miguel have the support they need as first time parents.

Sincerely,

Gabriel Alaniz

Member of CMSA's "Block Pink" volleyball team (as captained by MUTHA Regi Abelardo)