My name is Bethany Gillingham. I am writing to ask for your help funding IVF treatment for my family, and to tell you why it matters so much to us. On July 13th, 2026, my husband David and I welcomed our son, Calvin Francis Gillingham. He seemed healthy and happy, and he received a perfect 10 from the doctors. Our two-year-old daughter, Avery, adored him and loved calling him "baby brother Calvin." Thirteen days later, Calvin passed away unexpectedly. Our family has been carrying that grief ever since. Calvin was surrounded by love every day of his short life, from us, from Avery, from our puppies Maya and Daisy, and from his grandparents, Bob and Listy Gillingham and Bruce and Sarah Tipton. In 13 days he left a forever imprint on all of us. Part of why I am writing is a medical decision that was already in front of us. Cancer runs in my family, and after careful thought, I want to have a tubal ligation to reduce my risk. I want to be here for Avery and David for many years to come. But once my tubes are tied, I will not be able to conceive naturally. That is why we are turning to IVF. It is the only way for us to protect my health and still have the chance to grow our family. Eggs are fertilized outside the body and the embryo is placed directly in the uterus, so IVF doesn't depend on the fallopian tubes. It lets us make a responsible, preventive choice for my health without giving up on the family we hope to have. I won't pretend that a future child could replace Calvin. Nothing could. But after losing him, our desire to nurture and love another child has only grown stronger. Any baby who joins our family will grow up knowing Calvin's name and how deeply he was loved. I work in special education leadership, supporting students and families through some of the hardest and most hopeful moments of their lives, so I understand how much it means to have someone in your corner. IVF is expensive, and the cost is a serious barrier for us, especially after the emotional and financial toll of this loss. Support from you would give us a real chance to move forward with hope, to protect my health, and to honor Calvin by opening our hearts again.