We are thrilled to be participating in Chicago Coalition for Family Building 5K Run + 1 Mile Walk, a fundraiser supporting Chicago Coalition for Family Building!

Sean and I met when we were teenagers. Fell in love in college.  Did some growing up.  Started our careers.  And remained each other’s best friend. Seventeen years later, we knew we obviously couldn’t go through this life without each other. And now we have been so happily married for 16 years this coming October.

We had always hoped to get pregnant naturally. In 2020, the pandemic hit which delayed our process of learning why we’re not able to conceive on our own. When we could finally get an appointment and all the tests done in March 2022, we found out like many people, some natural factors of our age meant safely and healthily achieving pregnancy without medical help wasn’t possible. This was devastating but speaking with doctors and IVF specialists showed us how we could still achieve our dream of having a family, and we became excited about working to reach that bright future.

We have wanted to have children for a long time and were afraid to ask for help.  When we learned more about IVF and that our family was willing to help, we had to try.  They say “it takes a village to raise a child.” It seems we need a little extra help from science, friends, family and generous organizations, like Chicago Coalition for Family Building and Path to Parenthood Grant from the Jewish United Fund – Chicago, to grow our family. We are beyond grateful to have received this grant in 2022.  And now we have our beautiful son, Gage!

Every donation—big or small—helps me reach my fundraising goal and directly impacts this important cause.

Here's how you can help:

• Donate: Contribute whatever you can. No amount is too small!
• Spread the Word: Share my fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!

Thank you for standing by us in this effort. Your support means the world to us!