Justine & Brandon's IVF Journey

My name is Justine Meeks, and I am 29 years old. I live in Cedar Rapids, IA, with my husband, Brandon. Together, we have been on a heart-wrenching journey to start our family since 2018. Our desire to become parents has always been strong, but the road has been filled with unexpected challenges and emotional turmoil. After a laparoscopy getting diagnosedwith stage 4 endometriosis, I was hopeful when I became pregnant soon after. However, that joy was short-lived, as I faced a miscarriage that left me devastated. Since then, I have experienced two ectopic pregnancies, each one adding to the weight of disappointment and heartache. It's been incredibly difficult to process these losses, especially knowing how much Brandon has always wanted to be a dad. I often find myself feeling like I am the problem, and it breaks my heart to think that I may not be able to give him the family we both dreams of. In my family, I am the only one who has faced such significant fertility issues, which adds another layer of isolation to my experience. I long for my future children to grow up close to my six nieces and nephews, sharing the joy and love that comes from a large family. The emotional toll of this journey has been draining, and sometimes it feels like the weight of the world rests on my shoulders. I am currently in the researching and planning stage of pursuing IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). This path represents hope for us, a chance to finally start the family we’ve always wanted. However, the financial burden of IVF is daunting, and that is why I am applying for this grant. Receiving this support would mean the world to us. It would alleviate the financial strain and allow us to take that crucial step forward in our journey. This grant would be more than just financial assistance; it would be a lifeline, offering us the opportunity to try for the family we have dreamed of. The chance to begin the IVF process would give us hope and a sense of possibility that we have been longing for. I sincerely hope to turn this dream into a reality, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story. Thank you for sharing and supporting us!