National Infertility Awareness Week

 This week is National Infertility Awareness Week, a week of education and awareness about a topic that doesn't get much notice. It is not only for those who have been through the trials, heartache, hope, tears, and frustrations but to educate those who have not about those same struggles. 

 Infertility is a subject that is close to my heart and that I have struggled with for the last couple of years. Along the way I have learned SO much about it and had no idea the amount of people out there that I knew who also struggled - chances are you do too!  1 in 8 couples or 7.3 million American woman experience difficulty conceiving. Being open about the topic of infertility has really helped me accept my struggles of not being able to start a family as easily as some. It's been very frustrating when something that comes so easily to others has cost us thousands and thousands of dollars and so many tears and heartache.  Without having the most supportive friends and family we would not be able to get through it all on bad days. 

It seems very fitting that this is the week to raise awareness since one year ago TODAY we were at Dr. Putman's office bright and early for my first egg retrieval. After countless medications, sonograms, tests, blood work, IUIs, and 3 different doctors we were on our first round of IVF, hopeful that today I would be sitting here with a 3 month old baby. Little did we know that within the next 6 months I would be going through the whole IVF process again only to now be on the road to adoption. It has been a struggle, and there are still bad days, however, these struggles have made stronger. All of these experiences have led to answers and we are grateful that we chose to take these steps to lead us to where we are today. We have hope that one day soon we will start our family, while it not be the traditional route, it will be our story. And that story is the only story we need for our happy ending. 

 If you don't already know someone now that is struggling with infertility, chances are one day you will. So for all those who want to know how to support a friend or family member who might be experiencing these circumstances, just be there and be aware. That's it plain and simple. And to all those who ARE that friend or family member - don't give up. It WILL happen. Maybe not the way that you planned, but the way that was planned for you.

-K