We have been on our fertility journey for five years. We began intentionally trying to conceive in July 2021. After no success, we sought medical advice in May 2023. We live in Kirksville, Missouri, a small, rural community in northeast Missouri. The closest fertility clinic is 100 miles south in Columbia, Missouri. During our initial appointment and testing we discovered that Chad had low sperm count, motility, and mobility. The urologist he was referred to discovered Chad had varicoceles. Amanda’s testing was mostly normal, although an ultrasound showed one polyp in her uterus. Both of our blood work came back with normal hormone levels. Based on testing our focus was to improve Chad’s sperm count. The urologist performed varicocele surgery in August 2023. In October 2023, Amanda had surgery to remove a cyst on her round ligament. The cause was unknown, and the surgeon said it would not impact our ability to conceive or have a healthy pregnancy. By March 2024, Chad’s sperm count still wasn’t high enough for IUI. Our fertility doctor indicated our only option was to move forward with IVF. The conversation felt pressured and pushy, almost like a guilt trip because we were “losing time.” The emotional stress became too much, so we decided to pause trying and give ourselves some time to rest. During that break, we worked with a naturopathic doctor to examine our diet, supplements, and overall health with the goal of improving both sperm and egg quality. Amanda also started seeing a therapist to help her navigate the emotional side of the journey. A friend recommended a different fertility clinic in Des Moines, Iowa, about three hours from where we live. When we had our first appointment in May 2025, we immediately felt heard, seen, and supported. We continued our journey with additional testing, thyroid testing, and progesterone testing. Everything came back normal. Chad’s sperm had improved to the point that the new clinic recommended IUI. We had our first attempt in September 2025. During that attempt we discovered Amanda had cervical stenosis, which made the procedure unsuccessful. Amanda had surgery in December 2025 to correct the cervical stenosis. During that surgery, they discovered and removed six polyps from her uterus. Thankfully, they were benign. Since then, we have continued trying IUI. We had attempts in December 2025, May 2026, and July 2026. We have limited our attempts based on when we were financially able, as our insurance prior to 2026 did not include IUI. Unfortunately, none of our attempts have been successful. Our doctor has mentioned IVF as a possibility, and we want to pursue that option we are not feeling pressured, judged, or made to feel like we are running out of time. We feel supported in making the decision that is right for us. Over the past five years, we have been doing our best to follow medical advice to improve our chances of having a healthy baby. We have made difficult decisions based on our finances that have limited the number of IUI attempts. The three medical procedures that we had to have (varicocele for Chad, cyst removal and stenosis repair and poly removal for Amanda) were unexpected. Our insurance through 2025 did not include coverage fertility services unless they were also medically necessary for other reasons. Luckily, the three procedures were medically necessary and were partially covered. Much of the additional testing has not been covered by insurance. Starting in 2026 our insurance improved but does not cover any aspect of IVF. Up to this point we have spent approximately $16.,000 on surgical procedures, lab testing, office visits, travelling to appointments, supplements and medications, and IUI procedures. And now, here we are, asking for help. Our journey has been long, emotional, and often exhausting. There have been so many appointments, procedures, tests, setbacks, and moments where we have questioned what direction to take next. The setbacks and complications have weighed on us emotionally. The roller coaster of hope followed by disappointment has been exhausting. But we don’t want to give up. We are still here. Still trying. Still hoping. And still believing there is a path forward for us. We would be forever grateful if you are able and willing to help us to make the next step in our journey to becoming parents. How we'll use the funds: The grant would pay for the first IVF treatment cycle and PGT testing. The pre treatment prep would be billed to insurance and we would pay any portion not covered. We have additional costs associated with travel because the fertility clinic is so far from our home, which we would be paying.