We are Carla and Chad, and we’re writing to share our deeply personal and emotional journey to growing our family through IVF. Our story is one of love, hope, resilience—and unwavering faith that joy will come, even through the darkest of times. With the help of the Fertility Friends Foundation grant we are truly thankful for the financial support for an additional chance to realize our dream of becoming parents.
We were married in October 2023, surrounded by our closest family and friends. It was the happiest day of our lives—one full of dreams for the future, for a lifetime together, and hope for the family we long to build. But just three weeks later, our world was turned upside down when Chad was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Without hesitation, we began the fight of our lives. Chemotherapy started immediately, and Chad ultimately required a stem cell transplant, which he bravely received on April 21, 2024. Through it all, I’ve witnessed his incredible strength, grace, and courage. Watching him endure and heal has deepened my love for him in ways I never imagined possible.
Chad’s diagnosis changed everything—including our path to parenthood. We never got the chance to try to conceive in the joyful, spontaneous way we had dreamed of. Thanks to quick decisions and the foresight of our medical team, we were able to bank sperm before treatment began. IVF became our only option, and we accepted that path with open hearts and hopeful spirits.
Early in 2025, we received funding—much sooner than we had expected—which felt like a beautiful and promising sign. We began our first IVF cycle in March. It felt like a new beginning, a fresh chance. We were overjoyed when 17 mature eggs were retrieved. But heartbreak followed: none fertilized. The crushing disappointment of that moment echoed the feelings we experienced when Chad was first diagnosed. We asked ourselves why so many of our steps forward seem to come with such painful setbacks.
But we are not giving up. We are picking ourselves up once again, holding tightly to our hope, and preparing for IVF Round 2. We know that this road is not easy—but it is worth it. We long to bring a child into this world, to share our love, faith and resilience with a new life, and to experience the joy of parenthood that we’ve held in our hearts since before we even said “I do.”
Chad’s strength continues to inspire me every day. He is my hero, my partner, and the father I know our future child will be proud to call Dad. We are more in love than ever, and more determined than ever to build the family we dream of.
We are truly honoured that the Fertility Friends Foundation chose us as grant recipients. It is truly incredible to have the support network from Fertility Friends Foundation that will help us financially and emotionally. It means the world to us and will help make something truly beautiful possible—after so much hardship, we’re ready for our miracle.
