Would you lose hope?

I know when Paul and I found out about our struggles to have a baby, luckily (also not so luckily), we only had a year to wait and that same year to figure out how in the world we were going to pay for this.  Where were we going to find $10,000 to try one round of IVF?  What if the first time didn't work?  I can't imagine if we had to live through our teenage and young adult life knowing and planning for those obstacles to parenthood.  I couldn't imagine the emotional and financial stress and burden being for so long.

Imagining learning as a teenager, that you could never have children naturally.  

Imagine the way it would shape your financial decisions, your choice for a life partner, even your career path.



That is exactly what happened to Taryn.  Watch this inspiring video to see how Taryn dealt with her medical diagnosis from a very young age, found a supportive partner and became a mother with the help of Generations of Hope.



Up until now, couples who need to use reproductive technology have had to save for the money themselves, seek outside financial support or use organizations like Generations of Hope.  The problem is that there is a limit to the number of couples that groups like Generation of Hope can help.

Last month, Ontario made a commitment for funding one round of IVF starting in 2015.  A game-changing decision for couples in Ontario who are living with infertility and who's only barrier to trying to conceive, is financial.  Not only was the Wynne government's decision met with tremendous support from couples across the province struggling with their own infertility, it also offered new hope for those couples in other provinces, like Alberta.  The truth is that this is good health policy, reduces the number of multiples (and therefore reduces the need for NICU costs) and should also be in place in Alberta too.

This Mother's Day, think of the women who struggle to become mothers every day.  I will be.  I will be remembering how I became a mother and how it has changed my life in the most amazing and fulfilling ways.  I will be taking a moment to think about those who just can't afford to try IVF to conceive.  Join me in spreading the word and help bring hope to couples across Canada.

Join the conversation on Twitter and support IVF funding in Alberta (#abhc4ivf #abpoli)

Disclaimer:  I'm a proud member of the Conceivable Dreams blogging team.  I'm honoured to have been sharing my story so that this day could happen for so many couples!  Follow the conversation on Twitter at #OHIP4IVF