Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Corbett – Introducing the Dr. Shannon Corbett 2SLGBTQ+ Fertility Fund
Earlier this year, the fertility community suffered a great loss with the untimely passing of Dr. Shannon Corbett, a remarkable in vitro physician who dedicated her life to advocating for the dreams of individuals within the 2SLGBTQ+ community to build families. At the young age of 44, she leaves behind a loving wife and two wonderful children. Dr. Corbett’s impact on countless lives and her unwavering commitment to inclusivity and access to fertility care will forever be remembered.
Continuing Her Mission:
In memory of Dr. Shannon Corbett and in partnership with her family, Fertility Friends Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Dr. Shannon Corbett 2SLGBTQ+ Fertility Fund. This fund is an embodiment of Dr. Corbett’s life’s work, aimed at ensuring that her vision of equal access to fertility care for all individuals, regardless of their background, continues to make a meaningful difference for years to come.
A Legacy of Advocacy:
Dr. Corbett was deeply passionate about advocating for patients of the gay, lesbian, and transgender community. She recognized the unique needs of this community, which often differed from those struggling with infertility. She understood that individuals within the 2SLGBTQ+ community may not have fertility issues themselves, but still require access to fertility services. Dr. Corbett dedicated a significant amount of her time during her training and early career to developing resources and promoting a more friendly, accessible, and inclusive environment for all patients, irrespective of their background.
Quoting Dr. Corbett:
Reflecting on her proudest professional accomplishments, Dr. Corbett once said, “I think professionally I am most proud of the accomplishments I have achieved in terms of advocacy for patients of the gay, lesbian, and transgender community. They have a very unique set of needs that are different from patients that are struggling with fertility, and they themselves may not have a fertility issue, but still need to access fertility services. Often their needs can be overlooked, so I have focused a lot of my time during my training and early career to help develop resources and to promote a more friendly, accessible, and inclusive environment to all patients no matter their background.”
Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ Family Building Needs:
The Dr. Shannon Corbett 2SLGBTQ+ Fertility Fund will exclusively support the aspirations of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in realizing their dreams of forming their own families. By contributing to this fund, you will directly support Dr. Corbett’s mission and contribute to the development of an inclusive environment that addresses the unique needs of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Eligibility Criteria: To apply for the Dr. Shannon Corbett 2SLGBTQ+ Fertility Fund, applicants must meet the following criteria:
– Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident residing in Ontario
– Not have a medical diagnosis of infertility, as the fund is intended to support 2SLGBTQ+ family building needs specifically
– Have seen a Reproductive Endocrinologist in the previous 6 months
– Not have a medical condition that would pose a serious risk to themselves or, in the case of females, the child they would carry (e.g., active acute infections)
– Possess the means to offer continued child support, with at least one partner maintaining employment
– Recipients must begin treatment within 6 months after receiving the grant
Honoring Dr. Corbett’s Legacy:
The Dr. Shannon Corbett 2SLGBTQ+ Fertility Fund stands as a testament to Dr. Corbett’s unwavering dedication and passion for ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have the opportunity to experience the joys of parenthood. Through this fund, we can honour her legacy by working towards a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Join Us in Making a Difference: We invite you to make a donation and support the Dr. Shannon Corbett 2SLGBTQ+ Fertility Fund. Every contribution, big or small, will have a significant impact on the lives of those in the 2SLGBTQ+ community who aspire to build accessibility, and equality in fertility care.
To make a donation and support the Dr. Shannon Corbett 2SLGBTQ+ Fertility Fund signifies a commitment to continue the impactful work of Dr. Corbett, who dedicated her career to advocating for patients of the gay, lesbian and transgender community. Let us come together to ensure that her vision of inclusivity and support lives on, making a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals and families.
