Hi, we are Rachel and Alan! We met at LakeShake Chicago, a country music festival, in 2016—and the rest was history!

As proud members of the Jewish community, we have been on a heartfelt journey to build our family. Rachel was diagnosed at age 15 with a rare reproductive disorder and has faced years of infertility with resilience and determination. Despite numerous failed IVF cycles and setbacks, we refused to give up on our dream of becoming parents.

Due to Rachel’s condition, she is unable to carry, which has led us to the incredible path of partnering with a gestational surrogate. This grant represents more than just financial support—it is the chance to turn years of heartbreak into the family we have always envisioned. We can’t wait to make our dogs, Chance and Chip, big brothers to a little human sibling!

Rachel and Alan are recipients of the Path to Parenthood Grant from the Jewish United Fund – Chicago.