Chaka and Christian

I am one of five in my family and the oldest at that...my father is an Army veteran and we had the privilege to grow up all over the world. Because my father was gone a lot, I had to help my mother take care of my four siblings. When we moved back to the United States, I also helped my aunts with my little cousins. I didn't realize it then, but that experience at such a young age is what taught me the joys and responsibility of having a family.

I knew then I'd want to have children, but decided I would wait until I had a successful career and got married. I didn't realize that I wouldn't get married until my late 30's. My husband and I wanted to save money before actively trying to have children. When we were ready, we had no idea that I had medical issues that would make this dream more difficult to come true. We prayed, cried, and prayed some more.

My husband's job moved us to Chicagoland from Florida in early 2018. I changed jobs after a year or so and found out my new insurance would not cover or contribute to the IVF process. We initially thought this was another set back until we learned about the Chicago Coalition for Family Building and how they've helped numerous families like us.

Getting approved for this grant is a blessing and relieves some of the financial pressures that come with the IVF process. I recently learned that my neighbors conceived all three of their children through IVF and they too used grants. I know it sounds cheesy, but their story gives us hope!

I served in the United States Navy for almost six years. My first assignment (back in 2000) was SEAL Team Three and I remember saying after my three year term there that I could do ANYTHING after this! While this journey is new and scary, I have so much faith in our doctors, the IVF process, and organizations like the Chicago Coalition for Family Building, that it's going to work out for us.

Chaka and Christian are recipients of a donated IVF cycle from our Partner Practice, InVia Fertility.