My name is Patricia Neyland, and I am 22 years old, living in Amite, LA, with my partner Gatlin and our wonderful son Colin. My journey toward expanding my family has been incredibly challenging due to my genetic mutation of the MTM1 gene, which causes X-linked Myotubular Myopathy. This condition has profoundly impacted my life and, most importantly, my son’s life. When my son was born, we realized quickly that something was severely wrong. Colin was not breathing and had no heartbeat. After being resuscitated and transferred to Children's Hospital to receive specialized care, we learned he had inherited the genetic mutation disease from me. The weight of knowing that he would face significant complications and possibly an early death has been a burden that I carry daily. I often feel as though I am grieving someone who is still alive, and that grief is something that I have to live with for the rest of my life. The thought of potentially passing this gene onto another child is something I cannot bear. Knowing that any future children I may have would have a 50% chance of inheriting this condition is a heavy reality that has left me with this intense feeling of guilt and pain for wanting another child as badly as I do. IVF treatment would provide my son with a sibling who will always have his back, someone to share laughter and love with. The idea of having a family has always been important to me and my fiance', and it feels unbearably painful to think that my genetic condition could limit that dream. Applying for this grant represents hope for me and my family. There aren’t enough words to express what receiving this support would mean. It would allow us to pursue treatments and procedures, including preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), to ensure that a future pregnancy could be healthy and free of this mutation. The fear and anxiety surrounding our ability to conceive naturally due to my genetic condition has been like an open wound for me. IVF treatments would give us a chance at the family we have always wanted. Our family has been through so much since my son was born, facing fears and pain that are difficult to articulate. This opportunity could change everything for us. It would not only help alleviate the anxiety surrounding our future but also allow us to dream again of a loving, supportive family. I want to ensure that my son has the chance to grow up with a sibling, and I hope that with this grant we could have the family we so desperately want. How we'll use the funds: The treatments, procedures, and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).