Hope Through IVF: The Northcutt Journey

My name is Kara Northcutt, and my husband, Jordan, and I are requesting funding for our IVF (In-vitro Fertilization)

and Genetic Testing Procedures. However, we know that for us to not only conceive, but also have a chance at having a healthy child, these procedures are necessary and vital. Please allow me to offer some perspective.

On August 1, 1988, my younger brother was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. This is an incurable,

genetic disease that attacks the upper respiratory system and digestive systems of its sufferers. In this

moment, our family’s lives changed forever. It was found that both my parents were carriers of the gene

that, with each live birth, brings a twenty-five percent chance of a child being affected. I was also

tested for Cystic Fibrosis. It was found that I was a carrier of the CF Gene.

Since that time, I have witnessed my brother suffer through bouts of coughing fits, hospital

stays, breathing treatments, countless medications, weight loss, and loss of lung function. These

ultimately led to a bilateral lung transplant in November of 2010. At the time of his transplant, his left

lung was completely non-functional, and his right lung was only functioning at fifteen percent. To say

that his quality of life was reduced is a grave understatement.

We had 9 incredible years left with my brother. On August 9, 2019, my brother succumbed to

complications from Cystic Fibrosis and passed away. I deal with the aftereffects of this tragedy daily, and I have seen firsthand the effects this disease has on its sufferers, family and loved ones.

When I got married, I was determined to be very vigilant in having my husband tested for the Cystic Fibrosis Gene. Because I knew I was a carrier, I wanted to take every step necessary to prevent bringing a child into the world that could potentially suffer as well. We were tested by SEMA4 and my OBGYN respectlivly. Both results were the same. We discovered that my husband is also a carrier of the Cystic Fibrosis Gene.

I tell you this story because I hope YOU will help us prevent another child from coming into this world with an ultimate death sentence. Through every medication, hospital stay, home health visit, and lung transplant, my parent’s insurance company was there “fighting the good fight” right along with them. Let’s be frank…it cost them MILLIONS of dollars throughout my brother’s lifetime. And their insurance company had to foot the bill for most of this.

However, after 3 unsuccessful IVF cycles, 2 years and thousands of dollars, we, too are left to "fight the good fight" but WITHOUT help from our insurance company and without any healthy embryos. I have written THREE different appeals, begging them to cover our costs, to which they sent back an immediate "NO!" The physical, spiritual and emotional strain we have had to endure is beyond measure.

It is my prayer and desire that you help us stop this horrible and unfair cycle before it even

begins by allowing us to take the necessary steps forward with our fertility and Genetic Testing needs.

Any amount we receive over the requested sum will either be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or to another family like us who is struggling to bring a healthy child into this world.

We thank you SO much for your dontation!

With much gratitude and sincerity,

Jordan and Kara Northcutt