S&B McDowell Family Fund

Sarah and Brian are dear friends of ours who have been trying for 5 years to grow their family. They have gone through numerous consultations, procedures, and tests. We want to support them with this endeavor in any way that we can because we know they are meant to be parents. This past year they tried IVF, but the treatment was unsuccessful and devastating for both of them. Our goal is to help them in any way possible with the unfortunate financial burden that stands in their way of growing their family. Sarah and Brian will have direct access to the funds in this account.

Here is their story:

Sarah and Brian have been trying to have a family of their own for almost 5 years now. In 2012 after several tests, ultrasounds, and blood work on both of them, they received dreadful news that they would never naturally be able to conceive a baby on their own. The only way to have a biological child would be through medical intervention of IVF and ICSI.

After much poking and prodding, research and appointments with several doctors, they decided to do what many other couples in their position do. Take an IVF vacation. The goal was to be in a relaxing place while going through all of the uncomfortable procedures, hormone injections, and retrievals to prepare for the final transfer of embryos. Although Barbados was beautiful, it was a trying time for both Sarah and Brian. Due to all of the hormones, Sarah was very uncomfortable physically for most of the trip and Brian suffered for weeks due to a very painful biopsy for specimen retrieval. But even so, they were happy because the doctor said the odds of conception of the two embryos were in their favor and they returned to the States very excited and hopeful.

Last year on March 28th, two weeks after they returned from Barbados, they learned that the procedure had failed. They were absolutely devastated and crushed to say the least. All of the time and money spent on appointments, drugs, doctors, and hopeful thoughts were a very great loss in addition to the failure of pregnancy.

It has been a year since the failure and the feelings of sadness due to the miscarriage have not ceased for either one. They have been working continuously on their efforts to start their family, whether through IVF or adoption. But the one thing that stands in their way is money. It costs thousands of dollars up front to participate in either one of those options and they unfortunately do not live in a state where insurance covers such procedures.

Sarah and Brian are very anxious to start their family they have been waiting so long for. With support from family and friends, we can help Sarah and Brian take the next step in growing their beautiful family. Thank you for your consideration!