Tiffany and Chris IVF Puzzle Piece Fundraiser

Hi everyone!
Some of you already know but I think it is time we make it public.   After months of trying, lots of tests, and a surgery, we learned that we can't have kids on our own.  It is hard for us to go public with our private life so thank you for reading and listening as we make this journey. 

Please see the bottom section on how to donate to the puzzle pieces fundraiser. 

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::Our Story::
We started trying to get pregnant several months ago with no luck.  After doing initial testing with my OB, we found out my tubes were not fully open.  I scheduled an appointment with a Reproductive Endocrinologist and did a few more tests.  Basically, the doctor explained to us that my right tube was not functional and she was pretty sure my left was also not functional.  However, she needed to do laparoscopic surgery to know for sure.   On December 18th, I had surgery (my first ever) to diagnose and look at my tubes.  The doctor explained that if both tubes were dilated/fluid filled (hydrosalpinx) then they should be removed.  This is because if the tubes are not functioning and they are dilated with fluid, this could make IVF unsuccessful.   In addition, if both tubes are not functional then our only option is IVF.

When I woke up from the surgery, the doctor let us know the bad news.  Both of my tubes were bad and they both were removed.  This as you could imagine was devastating news.   They think endometriosis was the main cause for my tubal destruction.  Endometriosis is common and can only really be diagnosed with surgery.

The good news is that there is an option. That option is IVF.  The other good news is that my ovaries, ovarian reserve, and uterine cavity looked good. 

So now what? We are going forward with doing IVF this spring. 

What is IVF?   Invitro fertilization.  This is where they stimulate my ovaries to make lots of eggs. Then they go in and retrieve the eggs.  Next they make embryos in the lab with Chris's sperm.  After 5 days, they then implant one of the embryos back into my uterus.   The whole process takes about 4 to 6 weeks to complete. It also requires lots of shots, doctors appointments, and ultrasounds.

The bad news is that IVF success isn't 100%, but more like 50%-60% chance of success.

The really bad news ----  IVF is not covered by our insurance.
The cost of IVF is about $15,000 to $20,000 plus the cost of medications is about $5,000 to $7,000.   This is on top of the costs from my surgery.  

We have a lot  saved.  However, it will put a huge dent in our savings.  We know there are other people that are worse off than us and we feel bad even putting this gofundme together.  

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:: Puzzle Piece Fundraiser::
 
At this time, we are hoping that maybe we could raise funds for the medications. 

Please don't feel obligated to donate and your well wishes and support are appreciated.  

For those of you that want to donate, we wanted to have a way to remember your support. 
We have created a puzzle fundraiser to help with the costs of IVF and here's how it works:
We have created a customized puzzle (see main picture) that is about 500 pieces.  Each piece will represent someone who donated to help us with Baby Laplante. 

~Each puzzle piece will be $10
~You can choose to buy 1,2,3,5, or 10. There is no limit.
~Your name will be written on the front of each piece(s) you represent!
~ If you buy more than one or several pieces, we can also include a message from you written next to your name.  

After making the donation, add how many pieces and what you want it to say in the comment section. 

Once our puzzle has been completed, we will frame and hang it in the nursery. This will be a beautiful keepsake for us to cherish forever! We will always look back and be reminded of your generosity and investment in our family!

You will be a part of completing the missing piece to our puzzle!

You are also welcome to just donate and not participate in the puzzle.  When donating please indicate how many if any puzzle pieces you want to buy and the message if you want to put on there if buying several pieces. 

Thanks for listening!   Thanks for your support!  Hopefully, our efforts will be successful!

Tiffany, Chris, and Future Baby L.


PS:  During the IVF process we probably wont be posting a play by play of what is going on.  It will be a tough time with lots of stresses.  If you would like to know our progress, feel free to call or text us.