Help Elle and Emryn Grow A Family

Elle and Emryn here! Four years ago, we met; two years ago, we fell in love; and one year ago, we got engaged and married. There was never any doubt that we wanted to spend our lives together, and now there's nothing we want more than to expand our family!

Unfortunately, the traditional method of having kids isn't possible for us, so we are starting the long journey of IUI (intrauterine insemination) with donor sperm. We knew going into this process that it would be much more expensive for us as a queer couple. While we're determined to grow our family no matter the cost, we also know that we have a community of people that may be able to support us through this process.

We had initially calculated the base estimated costs of the start of this journey to be $5,900.00.

One month ago, we received the news that insurance would be unable to cover the cost of our IUI treatment based solely on the fact we don't have free, unfettered access to sperm. Given that each IUI attempt will now add $1,500 to our initial goal, we've made a difficult decision. We want to start with one IUI cycle before the end of the year. We feel in our hearts that the time is right for us to try and we're almost at the goal we would need for a first attempt.

With all of this said, the new financial goal is $2,750 which will be used in the following ways:

Sperm (including shipping): $1,200.00

Medicine: $50.00

IUI Procedure: $1,500.00

*This is only for the FIRST attempt. Any other funds raised will be saved for any future attempts that may be needed and/or hopefully toward our future child.

This isn't a decision we have made lightly. Realistically, if this attempt does not end in a pregnancy, we will have to start back at square one financially (and mentally/emotionally) in order to try again. We believe, though, that this is the best way for us to start our family.

Thank you so much to everyone who has already donated, who will donate, and to all who have continuously shared our link and supported this journey in any way they can. It truly brings tears to our eyes to see the love that surrounds us.