If you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always the same…. a mom. Becoming a parent has been one of my biggest dreams for as long as I can remember. My spouse and I have been together for nearly 14 years. We met in middle school, became friends, and started dating when we were just 16 years old. Today, at 31, we’re more in love than ever and finally ready to begin the next chapter of our lives which is growing our family. The road to this moment hasn’t been easy. Not by a long shot. I grew up in a home marked by mental illness, financial instability, and chronic housing and food insecurity. Throughout my childhood, every home we ever lived in ended in eviction. We often had our utilities shut off because bills went unpaid, and one eviction left us with nowhere to live. We literally had nowhere to go. I stayed with my partner at her mom’s house for a month. It was very embarrassing for me. As a child, I learned what it felt like to wonder where I’d sleep. As an adult, I made myself a promise that my own child would never have to. I vowed that I will never be in a situation as such ever again in my life. When I moved out at 18, my spouse and I were starting from scratch. We were both working part-time while going to school. We were so broke that there were days we couldn’t afford groceries. Some nights, dinner was literally just bread. It wasn’t easy, but we kept moving forward because we believed we were building something better. Before I became a parent, I wanted to know that my child would always have a home, food on the table, and the security I never had. That’s why family planning had to wait until we had built that foundation. We worked hard to establish stable careers, create financial security, and build a life where a child could thrive. Now, after years of waiting, planning, and preparing, we’re finally ready to grow our family. As a same-sex couple, our path to parenthood comes with unique financial challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is the cost of donor sperm and fertility treatments. While we’ve saved a bit toward this goal, the expenses are significant, and we’re reaching out in hopes of making this dream a reality more seamlessly. If you’re able to donate, please know that you’re doing so much more than helping cover a medical expense. You’re helping create the loving, stable home I’ve dreamed of giving a child for my entire life. The loving, stable home I yearned for my entire life. Whether you choose to donate or simply share our fundraiser, thank you for taking the time to read our story and for being part of this journey. Your kindness and support mean more to us than words can express.