My name is Cayleigh Protzman, and I am 31 years old. I live in St. Joseph, MO, with my wonderful partner, Dominique, and our three beautiful children from Dominique's previous marriage. For the past three years, we have been on a heartfelt journey trying to conceive, putting our hopes and dreams into multiple IUI cycles, a total of four, but unfortunately, we have not yet achieved our goal of expanding our family. As a lesbian couple, we have faced unique challenges, particularly when it comes to fertility treatments. One of the most significant hurdles has been the financial strain of pursuing these options. The costs associated with fertility treatments can be overwhelming, especially since we do not have insurance coverage to help alleviate some of that burden. Each cycle has brought not only a financial impact but also significant emotional challenges. The hope that comes with each attempt is often followed by the heartache of disappointment, and navigating those ups and downs has been incredibly tough on both of us. This journey has not just been about trying to conceive; it has also been about building a united family that reflects the love and commitment Dominique and I share. We envision a future where our home is filled with the laughter of our children, a dream that feels just out of reach right now. The opportunity to receive support through this grant would mean the world to us. It would be a vital step toward making our dream of growing our family a reality. If granted this support, we would use the funds for an IVF cycle, which we believe is our best chance to conceive. This opportunity would not only help us financially but would also serve as a beacon of hope during this challenging time. It represents a chance to create a family that holds the love of both Dominique and me, alongside the joy of our existing children. We are dedicated to building a loving, nurturing environment for our future child, and we are hopeful that with the right support, we can turn this dream into a reality. Thank you for considering our application and for the chance to share our story. How we'll use the funds: IVF cycle