We met by accident and knew from first sight that we would be spending our lives together. Like many people, we grew up assuming that when the time came, starting a family would simply be the next chapter of our lives. We both wanted kids and felt that adding our own little bundle of joy would make our already wonderful life that much more perfect. As a 2SLGBTQIA+ couple, we always knew our path to parenthood would look different, but, like many in our community, we never fully understood just how complicated, expensive, and emotional that path could be.
Over the past few years, we’ve spent countless hours researching, planning, saving, and trying to prepare ourselves for fertility treatment. We both work hard and have done everything we can to be financially responsible, but fertility treatment comes with challenges that are difficult to plan for. Living in Nova Scotia means we have access to only one fertility clinic, and while there is a reimbursement program available, the costs must be paid upfront. Without payment plans, that creates a significant barrier for many families, including ours. Adding to the pressure is the reality that our timeline isn’t unlimited. Our doctor informed us that if we don’t get started this year, we would have to start the process over again: a three to five year wait for an initial consultation and time we don’t really have. We know that waiting indefinitely isn’t an option, and that has made every decision feel more urgent.
Receiving the Dr. Shannon Corbett 2SLGBTQ+ Fertility Fund grant feels like someone has finally taken a little of the weight off our shoulders and given us hope in a very dark time. It gives us a chance when there wasn’t one before. The financial support is incredible, but what means just as much is knowing that there are people who believe our dream of becoming parents is worth supporting.
For so long, this journey has felt like appointments, spreadsheets, savings goals, and difficult conversations. This grant reminds us what all of that effort is for: the chance to build the family we’ve dreamed about for years.
We are so grateful to the Fertility Friends Foundation for their generosity and support. Thank you for helping us move one step closer to becoming parents. We hope that one day we’ll be able to share a happy update and thank you again with a child in our arms.
With Love from
Karter and Jennifer Ettlin
Recipients of the Spring 2026 Dr. Shannon Corbett 2SLGBTQ+ Grant