Kim and Jeff

Thanks to the Chicago Coalition for Family Building, Kim and Jeff were proud to welcome their twins, Eve and Emilia, in 2019!

Colleen and Neil

Family Stories Colleen and NeilColleen and Neil began trying to conceive in 2010 without any concerns about infertility. It was a slow realization that something was not quite right. After numerous failed treatment cycles and complications, they decided to pursue adoption as the best route to have a family. “We were devastated and at a loss for how to move forward. …

Ashley and Kate

Family Stories Ashley and Kate“We met in 2009. It really was love at first sight, and we were married shortly thereafter in 2012. We have created a beautiful life together, and are the parents of three furry children. Our home is one filled with love, warmth, silliness and unconditional acceptance. There is only one thing that was missing from our home …

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Peggy and Jake

Family Stories Peggy and Jake“I have worked as a Labor & Delivery Nurse for 15 years and I had helped countless babies come into this world. We want our chance to bring a child into our family with all the most love we have. We both have large, loving and extremely close extended families and friends, who have been praying for …

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Amber and Scott

Family Stories Amber and Scott“We never imagined we would have trouble getting pregnant, but it has given us a glimpse into the struggle of many. It’s not a road that we walk alone, but it is filled with ups and downs that can feel lonely, and although we are thrilled for those around us that are having children, we can’t wait …

Christine and Tom Fuller

Christine and Brett

Family StoriesChristine and Brett“I have always wanted five children. Five – not four, not six, but five. We learned that without medical intervention, that number would likely be zero.” Christine and Brett tried for years to have a child before learning they would need IVF to help them make that dream a reality. But like many patients, they were stopped …

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Kristen and Joe

Family Stories Kristen and JoeThey started trying to have a baby in November, 2014. “You set out on this process to have a child and you naively assume that this is supposed to be the easy part.” It has been anything but and after years of fertility’s physical and emotional pain, Kristen and Joe knew IVF was their only option and …

Lisa and David

Family Stories Lisa and David“My husband and I are both teachers, and we met teaching at the same school. Being teachers, we’ve always loved kids and knew that we wanted our own children. We tried to get pregnant after our first anniversary and it was a long road.” Lisa and David were recipients of a Coalition grant and as their journey …

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Gloria and Vernon

Family Stories Gloria and VernonThey found love and marriage and just wanted to add a baby carriage. After 10 years as “awesome auntie and uncle,” Gloria and Vernon, U.S. Navy enlisted and reserve, respectively, were the perfect couple – but they needed more help to have a family than they could afford. Gloria and Vernon received a donated IVF cycle from …

Sujata and Swanan

Family StoriesSujata and Swanan After Sujata’s younger sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and found to be BRCA positive (the breast cancer gene), Sujata decided to undergo testing to see if she carried the BRCA mutation. Sujata was BRCA positive and while she did not have cancer, she was concerned about passing the gene on to her children. She wanted …

Jenna and Jordan

Family Stories Jenna and Jordan Their grant application said it all: “We want a baby more than anything. It ultimately comes down to whether or not we can afford IVF.” Jenna and Jordan were financially and emotionally tapped as two weeks after their wedding, Jordan was diagnosed with testicular cancer and had to undergo surgery and chemotherapy. Fortunately, he had cryopreserved …

Kandice and Christopher

Family StoriesKandice and Christopher”There has been a lot of hope and a lot of let downs,” Kandice and Chris shared. Chris’s daughter Leah was born with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS), a rare metabolic disorder that is genetically inherited. She is described as, “the love of our lives, and the best part of every day.” They struggled with the decision of how …