Hi friends and family! As some of you may know, I've made the decision to try and have a baby. I hesitate to say I'm doing this "alone," as I have an incredible community of friends and family around me, but I am doing this without a current romantic partner. It was a decision that took almost a year to make, but now that I've made it I feel really empowered and excited. It does mean I need a little help from science, though--and hopefully from you!  This process has made me think a lot about community, and about how we are expected to do so many things alone/in isolation. I am someone who wants to be entirely self-sufficient, but I'm realizing that that's not truly possible--or desirable. We are so lucky to have each other, and I hope my kid is lucky to have you all as well, even if that's just knowing you were part of how they came to be. So while I know I'll carry most of the [financial/emotional/physical] responsibility, I'm reaching out now in the beginning for a little extra help to get the process off the ground. Some details: I've been working with a fertility doctor for the past six months. In August, I will begin "trying," which is why I'm reaching out now. I'm hoping to raise $4200. I'm very lucky to have good insurance that will cover most of the costs of fertility treatments, but sperm is really expensive--I had no idea! Normally it's free ;) The bank from which I'm looking to buy charges $2100 a vial, which is why I'm hoping to raise double that. Ideally I'd purchase several vials as an insurance policy.  I know this is big! It's a bit scary on my end to ask, but I can't tell you how hopeful and excited I am for the future. I love you all tremendously; thank you in advance for your generosity and support, no matter in what form it comes. I can't wait to update you all with how it goes this August! All my love, Maddy P.S. some of you may also know that I committed to going to China in the fall to teach. If you're wondering if I'm still going, the answer is yes!