Tieanna and Christopher

My husband and I met in Florida through a mutual friend. We decided to start trying for a baby as soon as we started dating as we were into our thirties, plus I am a military service member and time apart seemed longer than time together. We got married merely weeks before I had to leave for California for another set of training. Though this meant more time apart, we decided to try as many cycles as possible while I was in training. Not long after, our bank accounts started reflecting these trips with no baby to show.

After months of disappointment and growing frustration, we decided it was time to see a specialist. We questioned how we were both healthy with no baby. We met with Dr. Hirshfeld-Cytron at Fertility Centers of Illinois and decided on a treatment plan, only to learn that our insurance does not cover infertility treatments. Our bank accounts were already feeling the effects but our dream of having our own little family was worth every penny. So, we pressed on. We started a cycle of intrauterine insemination (IUI) with much prayer, high hopes and financial uncertainties. We were devastated and heartbroken to learn that it failed.

Just when we were losing hope of this dream we hold so dear, the Chicago Coalition for Family Building stepped in with the most magnificent news. We are beyond grateful for this opportunity to continue our journey to parenthood.

Tieanna and Christopher are recipients of a Family Building Financial Grant.