Gabriel and I met at the end of 2020 and we formed a strong connection that led to our wedding at the end of 2022. We have faced many challenges together including the death of my mother soon after we started dating. I have known about my fertility challenge since I was 16/17 and found out that I could never carry a child of my own without a uterine transplant or a surrogate.

Thankfully, I found the love of my life that was willing to walk this journey with me. Although it’s something I anticipated, this journey is very challenging physically, emotionally, and financially. We are so grateful to be a recipient of a grant through JUF and Chicago Coalition for Family Building. We are ready to take the first steps to welcoming our child into this world.

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