Gift of Parenthood
My Own Two Feet-A Single Woman's Road to Baby

My Own Two Feet-A Single Woman's Road to Baby

Organized by Amanda Fietz. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

$3,775

of $20,000

45

donors

$16,225

to go

Their story

My name is Amanda, and my deepest, most enduring dream in life is to become a mother. Life didn’t follow the traditional path of marriage before children for me, but at 38 years old, I knew I couldn’t wait any longer to pursue the family I have always wanted. In October 2024, I made the brave and deliberate choice to start my journey to become a Single Mother by Choice (SMBC). I already have so much love to give. I am a proud dog mom and a deeply devoted aunt to 3 beautiful biological niece/nephews, as well as several chosen, non-biological nieces and nephews. While I cherish every second spent showering them with affection, nothing compares to the longing I have to hold a child of my own and give them a lifetime of love. The road to get here has been incredibly difficult, both emotionally and physically. I have been diagnosed with "unexplained infertility," a frustrating reality compounded by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and hypothyroidism, which heavily impact my reproductive system.Over the last two years, I have done everything in my power to make this dream come true. I started with an HSG procedure, donor screenings, and extensive genetic carrier panels. From there, I moved forward with Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). Through months of hope and heartbreak, I have endured six failed IUI cycles. Between the cost of multiple rounds of donor sperm, continuous medications, and medical procedures, I have paid for every single cent completely out of pocket on a single income, as my health insurance provides zero fertility coverage. To date, I have invested over $30,000 of my personal savings into these treatments. Now, my medical team has advised that I must pivot to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) if I want a chance at conceiving. IVF will cost an additional $20,000 minimum, and that does not include the vital medications required for the cycle. While I have already taken out a loan to keep going, those funds will be completely depleted just getting the IVF process started. I am at a painful crossroads. I am facing the choice between finding a way to fund this next medical hurdle to fulfill my dream of motherhood, or calling it quits and accepting that I may never know that joy. I am not blessed with the ability to conceive naturally or without a massive financial burden, but I refuse to give up on my future child without exhausting every possible avenue. This is why I am humbly turning to my community, friends, family, and kind strangers for help. I know that everyone faces their own financial burdens and life challenges, which makes me even more grateful for your time and consideration. Any donation, big or small, will go directly toward my upcoming IVF medical expenses and bringing my baby home. If you are unable to donate, sharing my story with others would mean the world to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing with me on this journey.

45 believers

Newest first
  • Carrie Montgomery$30
  • Jenny Saenz$50
  • Lisa Ross$50
  • Lesa Foster$100
  • Sherry Rollins$50
  • Leah Ray$25
  • Teresa Karleskint$25
  • Siobhan Wallace$100
  • Laura Marks$25
  • Kathy Yinger$200
  • Lauren Fietz$40
  • Sherry Sherry$40
  • Pam David$100
  • Michael N$100
  • Kathy C$100
  • Penny$200
  • John$500
  • Lisa$100
  • Amy Bazan$50
  • Jessica Channell$10
  • Matt Gallant$200
  • Eliza Delaney$20
  • Michael Campbell$40
  • Jared Campbell$25
  • Michelle Stevenson$10
  • Elizabeth King$10
  • Rachel Gallant$100
  • Joanna & Ricky Fietz$75
  • Amy Bazan$50
  • Lisa Ross$100
  • Paul Cunningham$20
  • Jamie Hinds$30
  • Sue Fietz$200
  • NaNa & PaPa FietzTop donor$512
  • Karen Robertiello$40
  • Sherry Rollins$8
  • Jessica McKenrick$40
  • Ron Pluto$40
  • Erin Friend$20
  • Brandi Peltier$20
  • Amber Scott$100
  • Julie Brim$10
  • Shelley Stevenson$10
  • Siobhan Wallace$100
  • Jessica Channell$100

Updates

October 2

Egg Retrieval - 10.1.26

Yesterday morning, I had my egg retrieval. They were able to retrieve 12 eggs. (Yes, a whole carton as someone pointed out). I had a feeling I would have less as I have only gotten older and you don't make more. I am praying for quality over quantity. I should get a call in a day to let me know how many were mature and then how many fertilized and then we wait to see if they make it to day 5 blasts. I have started the dreaded PIO shot again in case we need to move to a fresh transfer. This means that many weren't good and they just go ahead and transfer to see if they stick versus freezing them and PGT testing. I am doing okay. Yesterday I was beyond tired and the singing cramps and then very raw feeling was as expected. We will see how today goes. It's all in God's hands now, which is hard.

September 19

Starting STIMS

I started my STIMS last night. I am doing Menopur and Gonal-F again, and we have added a few things to my protocol. Currently taking Clomid, which helps the pituitary gland produce FSH, and then will add Omnitrope in a few days which is a growth hormone to help produce quality eggs and to help.my ovaries react well to the STIMS. I have to say, Round 2 adding the clomid makes the side effects x100 worse. I have been battling the worst headache, nauseau, cramping, peeing like crazy this AM, and hot flashes that make me feel like passing out. Weeeeeeee. I am sure it will level out in a day or so.

September 18

Baseline ultrasound

Wednesday was my baseline ultrasound, which means officially starting this road again. ​In honor of taking this step, I’m re-sharing my puzzle fundraiser. There are still 120 pieces left to be filled! ​To be completely honest, asking for help like this is so uncomfortable. But the reality is that I am 100% out of pocket—my insurance offers zero fertility coverage, and everything must be paid completely upfront with no payment plans. Preparing for a second round has completely wiped out the funds I had saved, bringing my balance back to zero. ​I want nothing more than to become a mom. Life hasn't exactly gone according to the plan I envisioned, but this is where I am, and I'm keeping the hope alive. ​If you are able to buy a puzzle piece, you will literally be helping build the foundation of my future family. And if you can’t donate right now, simply sharing this post means more than you know. Thank you for walking this path with me. 🤍🩷🩵

September 7

Round 2 - Here We Come

As many of you know, I took a massive leap of faith 3 years ago about, and began my journey to become a solo mother. It has been a road filled with so much hope, learning, and vulnerability. I’m reaching out today because I am officially getting ready to start my second round of IVF in about a week and a half. Going into round two means standing on my own two feet with even more determination, but it also means facing another steep mountain of medical and pharmacy expenses. This is why I set up my fundraiser through the Gift of Parenthood to help bridge the financial gap. It takes an incredible amount of vulnerability to ask for help like this, but I know it truly takes a village to bring a baby into the world—especially on a solo path. If you are in a position to donate to my Gift of Parenthood fund, please know that every single dollar goes directly toward making this dream a reality. If you aren’t able to give financially, sharing this post, sending a prayer, or dropping a supportive comment means more to me than words can say. Thank you for being my village and walking beside me on this road. 🤍🩵🩷

August 24

26 days from Round 2

Well all, I am 26 days out from Round 2 of IVF. 😬 It's surreal to think I am even here. I have to say, I have some PTSD built up around this. With 6 failed IUIs and 1 failed IVF, it's hard to think that this is even possible for me. Also, in the fact that you build a community of people who are on similar journeys and watch them get their happy endings, and you still are stuck on the starting line. So, send me some good vibes and energy. This journey is LONG and HARD and I am honestly not okay all the time. I know I may seem it, but this makes you someone you don't recognize at times. Also, I will post later but I am still fundraising. ✨️

July 11

Still not my happy ending

Well all, I did not get the results I wanted. I had my FET on Monday, June 1st. My blood test on that next Thurs was an HCG of 8. They told me that means it implanted but stopped developing (or chemical pregnancy). I wanted to wait to share until my 2nd blood test tomorrow or Aunt Flo showed. That Thursday was a blur after the news, and its still very hard news but I am doing okay today. To everyone who sent fry pics/videos, messages, spent time with me, etc. Thank you and I love you!! Even if we have never met in person. I am blessed to have a huge tribe around me at work, family, and friends. I am blessed. I don't think I could get through all of this without each of you. Just know, if I don't respond, just know I am surviving, not ignoring. Emotions hit you in waves and you don't know when that will be. My journey is not over. I now am just waiting to discuss next steps. Also, thank you to everyone at OU Physicians Reproductive Medicine for always taking care of me and others!

February 14

Happy Vday - 3 weeks out

Well I am 3 weeks out from starting my meds. I started on birth control a week ago and boy, yesterday was ROUGH! I\'ve also been dealing with bouts of dizziness and thought that was behind me then the crazy nausea yesterday was the icing on the cake. I took myself for a Vday IV therapy at Rejuvenate Health & Wellness (highly recommend) and then have been taking the rest of the day easy. I tell you, the things we put our bodies through for this journey is crazy and I don\'t think people really understand. Monday, I go in for a uterine cavity exam + SHG (Sonohysterography). They described it as an egg retrieval trial run. Sounds like it will be a bit unpleasant. So, stay tuned for how that goes. And Happy Valentine\'s Day!!

February 8

Be a Part of My Puzzle

I am doing a puzzle fundraiser to help with the costs of IVF and here\'s how it works: I have customized a puzzle. Each piece will represent someone who donated to help me with Baby. 🩷Each puzzle piece will be $10 🩷You can choose to buy 1,2,3,5,10 or 20 pieces. There is no limit. 🩷Your name will be written on the back of each piece you represent! 🩷Once the puzzle has been completed, I will hang it in a double sided frame in the nursery. This will be a beautiful keepsake for me and Baby to cherish forever! I will always look back and be reminded of your generosity and investment in my family! You will be a part of completing the missing piece to my puzzle. There are a few ways to purchase your puzzle piece(s). 🩵You can donate on my fundraising site https://giftofparenthood.org/fundraiser/amandafietz/ 🩵You can send via venmo - @afietz 🩵You can send via Paypal - @AmandaFietz 🩵You can send a check to my home (DM me for me address :)) 🩵You can always just come see me as well and bring your donation. If you have any questions feel free to call, text, message or email me at anytime. I do know this is a lot to ask of my friends and family and are so thankful and appreciative of all of your help. All of your prayers and well wishes have really helped keep my spirits up and for that we are so grateful for you all. To any of you who have already given a blanket donation, I am adding your names (but you can totally buy more). 💗💓 Thanks so much!

January 26

I start IVF in 40 Days

I can\'t believe I have 40 days to go until I start IVF. Boy, I didn\'t think I\'d have to go this route but here I am. I cannot give up on my dream at this point. I am still actively working on raising more funds to help with my meds and such. I don\'t think people fully realize the costs. I haven\'t even started IVF and I am $17K+ in right now. I am trying to research what I might need for preparation for this journey and get everything prepared. If anyone of you have been through this process, please send me your tips, tricks, need-to-knows, all of it!! Trying to read posts on Pinterest is so daunting LOL. So, in honor of 40 days out, can you give $4 to my fertility fund? Nothing is ever too small. Thank you all for reading this far, and all your prayers and support. And please share if you find it in your heart.

November 23

Moving on to IVF

Well....I am moving forward with IVF. This is the practical road to go but oh so daunting guys. The financial and the unknown are the worst. The costs of the procedures plus the medicine are😲. Then the unknown if this will even work. I could spend thousands of dollars and still end up empty handed. I mean, I am kind of already there if you really want to know. I am looking into grants I can apply for and fundraising ideas. I have something in the works I think I will post for Xmas time. Also, the delay sucks. I have paid my deposit and am on the waitlist to be scheduled. I am trying to take as a positive as I can get through the holidays without all that stress or meds during that time, but the delay at my age is excruciating. I mean every day feels like closer and closer to \"the end.\" I mean, I am going to 39 in 46 days. 😑 And then, there is this weird feeling of like wishing I had just gone straight to this. Had I known I would be 6 failed rounds in, I would have. It makes you feel dumb. Like I should\'ve known. I should\'ve not \"wasted\" this money on the IUI. It\'s such a weird space. I know there is no way I could\'ve or should\'ve known, but it still is there like a little devil on your shoulder. The intrusive thoughts that come are so REAL. So, here\'s where I am right now. I am just waiting to get a call to get on the schedule. TBD... Reach out if you are or have gone through this process or similar feelings.

Facing this yourself? Start a fundraiser or apply for the grant.

$3,775 raised