Chicago Coalition for Family Building Grant Recipients
Why do you want to share your story?
We would like to share our story to express our gratitude to FCI and the Chicago Coalition for Family Building (formerly The Life Foundation). Furthermore, we would like to inspire other couples out there who are experiencing the same hardships that we did and motivate them to not lose hope.
What led you to the Fertility Centers of Illinois?
We were referred to FCI by our military provider. We went to our initial appointment not really expecting anything. We knew about IVF and other infertility treatments and how expensive those treatments were. Being a military family, we knew that our income would not be enough to cover the treatment costs and the only way we would be able to afford it is if we took out a massive loan.
However, Dr. Hirshfeld-Cytron encouraged us to not surrender on our dreams of having a family. She connected with us on a personal level in which other providers did not. She made us feel that we are loved and deeply cared for. We never felt that we were just a “number” or just another “patient”. She also introduced us to the Chicago Coalition for Family Building and with her help, we were able to be one of the fortunate recipients of the grant!
How would you describe your experience with your physician?
Dr. Hirshfeld-Cytron is awesome! Very caring and compassionate! Without her, we wouldn’t be able to complete our family. We are forever grateful to what she has done for us!
What helped you get through treatment?
Even though the in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment placed us in a tremendously stressful situation, we were dedicated and 100% invested in our dream of having our own baby. Whenever it got really challenging and tough, we relied upon each other for the strength to not give up. We also had a really great support system, especially our family, that kept us on our feet through the journey.
The staff at FCI Highland Park was also awesome! We were always greeted with warm smiles every time we came in for our appointments. Such a caring and warm atmosphere! We are very fortunate to be taken care of by them.
Do you have any words of hope for others?
Do not lose hope!!! It is a very difficult journey but the miracle that is bound to happen at the end will make every sacrifice and hardship worthwhile.
Tell us about your little miracle!
We are blessed to have our son, Jacob! He was born in December 2019. He is a bubbly-bundle of joy! We are very blessed and privileged to be his mom and dad!
