Help Keep The Next Baby Hargrove Alive!

Our journey to grow our family started three years ago in 2019. We were actively trying to conceive for one year before realizing something was wrong. In Spring 2020, we had already suffered two miscarriages, and by the end of January this year, we’d experienced our fourth pregnancy loss.

After losing our second baby, we started seeing a fertility specialist to better understand what was happening. It was determined then that both Holland and I have a few irregularities that would make getting pregnant more complicated for us. We followed the protocols diligently, and after several months, my hormone levels and Holland’s sperm morphology improved. Even with the treatment, though, we found that we were no longer getting pregnant on our own. To address that, we did one round of Ovulation Induction and two rounds of IUI (Intrauterine insemination). None of them were successful.

Shortly after the last failed IUI cycle, we were overjoyed when I became pregnant naturally for the third time! We believed God had answered our prayers, but this relief was short-lived when I miscarried at the five-week mark.

We were deflated but not defeated, and after going to see the only doctor in the area who specializes in Reproductive Immunology, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. My body’s overactive immune response has perceived each embryo as foreign and attacking our babies, which is why my body keeps terminating our pregnancies.

Though our journey began some time ago, I am now 35 years old. Our persistent and dedicated doctor, whom we trust wholeheartedly, has recommended a treatment protocol that includes both Immunoglobulin G (IVIg) and In vitro fertilization IVF.

For those who are not familiar, IVIg aids in minimizing the actions of natural killer (NK) cells. Amplified levels of NK cells can prevent an embryo from implanting as well as interfere with the proper development of the placenta, which in turn prevents the embryo from developing normally. All these factors can result in a miscarriage.

IVIg therapy can significantly improve our chances of having a successful pregnancy after recurrent miscarriages. Some studies have shown a success rate as high as 80% with IVIg treatment. Unfortunately, many insurance companies do not cover IVIg therapy for fertility purposes. Holland and I are both Federal Government employees and do not have health coverage for Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). The treatment we need is expensive, and we are asking for your help to access what our doctor believes to be the only treatment that will allow me to maintain a pregnancy and keep our baby alive.

Total Cost of Treatment: $56,385

IVIg Breakdown

$3,700 for one 25g dose + $300 infusion fee.

10 infusions are needed per pregnancy.

Total Estimated Cost= $40,000

We thought the IVF would be covered under the Maryland Mandate for IVF Coverage, but it excludes federal employees.

Expenses for 1 IVF Treatment:

Total Estimated Cost = $16,385

The stress from this journey has affected both of us mentally, physically, financially and emotionally. We’ve been paying out of pocket for three years. Conversations about family have become more difficult. Our hearts have ached, and tears have poured for hours on end. At times, we have felt extremely discouraged. Nevertheless, we are not ready to give up on our dream of bringing home our child one day.

We are here.

We trust God. Please help us by donating to our Baby Hargrove fund.

With Love and gratitude,

Porsha and Holland