Fertility Medicine

LaRocco Fertility Journey


Hi, there! We’re Tony and Andrea LaRocco.  We have been married since Sept 2010 and started on the infertility path in 2013.  In 2013, we were blessed to quickly conceive our first child, AJ.  Unfortunately, 22 weeks into the pregnancy, Andrea unexpectedly went into labor and gave birth to AJ prematurely and he passed away an hour later.  We were devastated and confused.  How can someone just go into labor at 22 weeks when everything was fine at the last OB appointment 2 weeks prior?  We learned years later that Andrea’s doctor was negligent and we wanted to pursue legal action; however the medical statute of limitations in Illinois is very short and the lawsuit must be filed within 2 years of the incident.  We felt so defeated.  We wanted justice for AJ.


Through prayer and through the strength of our relationship, we pushed forward to try and conceive again, and luckily got pregnant again, just 3 months after losing AJ.  We found out Andrea was pregnant right before we were leaving on vacation.  We were travelling to Las Vegas, NV to renew our wedding vows on January 22, 2014.  We picked that day because that was AJ’s original due date and we wanted to do something to strengthen our spirits, rather than sit at home and cry.  We had a wonderful renewal celebration, just Andrea, the newly conceived baby and I.  Fast forward to the middle of night, Andrea awoke and found herself cramping, bleeding and scared.  This was our last day in Las Vegas and were immediately trying to get on the next flight home, but our airline was not cooperative to our situation and it would cost an astronomical amount to change our flight, so we just sat together and prayed that all will be well and awaited our flight later that day.  Days later Andrea’s OB confirmed she was indeed miscarrying.

In August 2014, Andrea began going to a new reproductive endocrinologist and her doctor noticed through ultrasound and blood work that she had endometriosis and this could be part of the reason for the infertility.  She had surgery weeks later to remove the endometriosis and her doctor also discovered her left ovary had detached itself but luckily, the doctor was able to re-attach.

October 2014 we began utilizing fertility medication to increase our chances of conception.  Thankfully, a friend of Andrea’s who recently went through fertility treatment herself, donated the remainder of her Gonal-f injectables and we had success!  We conceived Aiden, our beautiful son.  Andrea’s pregnancy wasn’t an easy road but we made it ONLY with God’s strength.

In 2018, Andrea’s employer at the time, covered fertility medication up to $10k, which was an amazing benefit.  After 2 cycles of taking follistim injectables, we conceived in April 2018 and we were so excited.  Sadly, 7 ½ weeks into the pregnancy, Andrea miscarried.  Andrea is no longer at that employer. 

Andrea and I remain strong in our relationship and know that God has a plan for us.  We will be blessed with another child to complete our family.  We are seeking the generosity of those around us to help us continue our journey.  Fertility medication and fertility treatment is extremely expensive and difficult to continue.  We would be forever grateful to anyone who donates or shares this.  Thank you in advance!

 

Staying hopeful,

Tony, Andrea & Aiden