Kelsey and Jaremy's Fertility Journey

In June of 2020, Jaremy and Kelsey decided that they felt ready to grow their family. What they thought would be a simple process turned out to be complex. In June of 2021, after a year of trying on their own they decided to seek out the opinions of professionals. It was then that Kelsey was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). There was a mix of sorrow and relief- relief knowing that there was somewhat of an answer, but sorrow in realizing that growing their family was probably never going to be simple.

For several months it was trial and error with different types of hormones which produced various side effects, mood changes, body changes, and emotional hardship. Eventually, Kelsey’s OBGYN recommended they seek out further options with the help of a fertility specialist. So, in March of 2022 (21 months after first starting this journey), they met with a fertility doctor. Initially the doctor was really confident that they would be able to utilize IUI (intrauterine insemination), and that IVF would be the unlikely, last resort. Unfortunately, after attempting four IUIs over the next year it failed for the fourth time in February of 2023. Early this month (March 2023), Jaremy and Kelsey were told that IVF would be the most viable option to conceive their own child.

*The pictures below are of the many medications Kelsey has taken through their fertility journey.

Many say to tell family and friends when you’re going through infertility. Having that network can help provide support, but what many don’t understand is how emotionally draining it can be when you feel like everyone is waiting for “the news.” When the news is good, it is obviously exciting to share, but having to explain over and over why it didn’t work each time is exhausting and overwhelming. Every time a well-meaning person asks, “When are you going to have kids?” or “Do you not want kids?”, or even harder, a joking, “Why aren’t you pregnant yet?!” the pressure mounts and the pain deepens. The stress of infertility is taxing, but the financial stress is an additional barrier. As most know, insurance doesn’t cover anything relating to IVF besides the typical blood draws and routine doctor visits. Jaremy and Kelsey’s upfront cost for IVF will be about $30,000 to cover anesthesia, egg retrieval, medications, fertilization, and embryo transfers.

After watching Jaremy and Kelsey go through the trials over the past few years, many close to them have asked how they can help? This was the most accessible way to reach the most while still keeping their journey somewhat private and contained to the closest family and friends. They plan on using their savings and taking out a personal loan, but if we can alleviate the financial burden even just a little bit then hopefully it can lift their spirits as they start this next phase. They are hesitant to let us create this for them because they are in an obviously vulnerable position. They really don’t want this to be any more public than it already is, so please don’t share this publicly or on social media, but do feel free to share it with those who you know truly want the best for Jaremy and Kelsey as they navigate these next steps.