Hello people I care about. I am vulnerageously inviting support from my community to take on something that is feeling very dear to my heart - pursuing motherhood. Specifically, that begins for me with fertility preservation (aka "egg freezing").

Here's the deal: I am 38. I recently left my relationship because I want to have a baby. I have been in a PhD program to become an expert in interventions to prevent stress-related health conditions. I am so glad that I have had this opportunity aaaaannnnnnnddddddd, this also means three important things relevant to this fundraiser:

1 - I have been making diddly-squat for the past five years.

2 - I have not yet been able to prioritize my desire to start a family - and may not be able to for another couple of years.

3 - The insurance provided to graduate research employees does not cover anything related to fertility preservation.

The bad news: I am at the age when egg production begins to quickly decline. So, this needs to happen stat.

The good news: My uterus is ageless and egg freezing will help ensure that I have a good chance of having a baby when the time is right.

The other bad news: One cycle of fertility preservation costs approximately $14,000. I know, it's crazy.

The other good news: I believe passionately in community and am incredibly lucky to have an ecosystem of people who love me and support my highest aspirations (that's you!).

So, would you kindly support my future self in having a baby with my now self's eggs?

Please know that I am only sending this to my family and close community - thanks for your discretion. Thank you so much for reading, and for supporting me with whatever size contribution you're able. Any and everything helps!