This week is National Infertility Awareness Week, a cause that is very near and dear to me because I spent six years struggling with infertility. Even though it’s been almost ten years since I finally became a mom, I never forgot the pain of trying-and failing-to conceive. I’ll never stop trying to support those going through it.
Imagine Family is also passionate about supporting those dealing with infertility. In fact, it’s pretty much their sole mission in life. Infertility can make you feel utterly alone, especially when you’re surrounded by fertile Myrtles. I remember watching all my friends get pregnant and deliver beautiful babies. I’d put on my happy face and smile when I saw them, congratulations all around. Truly, I was happy…for them. At home, though, I’d bawl for me.
The Imagine Family Grant for Couples Struggling with Infertility
Did you know that about 1 in 8 couples struggle with fertility issues? I did. I knew all the statistics. That’s a huge number when you’re talking about a medical issue, by the way. Since IVF was founded, 5 million babies have been born because of it. Unfortunately, the cost is often too high for many couples trying to conceive.
This is where a lot of people have said to me: if you can’t afford IVF, you can’t afford a baby. I want to address this right now. Most of us don’t pay $12,400 to conceive a baby! Yet for those struggling with infertility, that’s the average cost. Pretty pricey date night, don’t you think? In cases where IVF fails, you could be looking at double or triple that. So basically, what you’re saying to some is: if you can’t afford a second car or a mortgage on a vacation home, you can’t afford a baby.
The cost of IVF shouldn’t keep loving potential moms and dads from becoming real moms and dads. It shouldn’t stop them from reaching their dreams, from sending out those painstakingly chosen pregnancy announcement cards sharing their exciting news. Imagine Family understands that. They’ve created a grant to help families who cannot financially afford IVF reach their dreams.
More about the Imagine Family Inaugural Grant
Imagine Family is a non-profit organization with one very important mission: providing resources and support for couples coping with infertility. The organization is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural grant. The Imagine Family Grant awards up to $10,000 to help cover the cost of fertility treatments not covered by insurance.
These grants are funded by generous donations from supporters and by the pool of grant applicants. It’s a type of community funding that shows how strongly those in the infertility community stand together. As someone who was a part of that community for many years, I can say that without the strong support system of others going through the same thing, I don’t know how I would have made it through those six long, devastating years. Imagine Family isn’t just offering a grant, they’re offering support and a place where you can feel truly understood.
Visit www.imaginefamily.org to learn more about the grant process or make a donation.
Are you coping with infertility? Did you go through it in the past? If you could say one thing to help others understand what it is like, what would it be?
