Amy and Gina began dreaming about a family almost as soon as they met five years ago. Having children felt like a natural extension of their relationship—they even gave their future first child a nickname long before fertility appointments were on the calendar. When they married in 2023, their rabbi, Rabbi Geffen, wrapped a tallit around them and called them a “love burrito,” a moment that has become their favorite way to talk about the family they hope to build.

Their home blends their Jewish and Catholic traditions, and it feels especially special during the winter holidays with menorahs and dreidels on one side of the room and a Christmas tree glowing on the other. They lovingly call their future children “cashews,” half Catholic and half Jewish, and can’t wait to raise them in a home where identity is celebrated.

Like many same-sex couples, their path to parenthood involves medical intervention from the start. They’ve completed testing and are preparing to begin IUI, navigating the emotional and financial realities of this journey with hope and great appreciation for this community.

Amy and Gina are beyond grateful for the support of the JUF Path to Parenthood Program and the Chicago Coalition for Family Building. Their love burrito is missing a few key ingredients—and they’re ready for the day they get to add them.

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