My name is Vanessa Rodriguez, and I am 26 years old. I live in Fort Worth, TX, with my husband, Jorge, and his three wonderful children who live with us full time. For the past five years, we have been trying to expand our family and add a child or children of our own. Despite the joy of having Jorge's children in our lives, I feel a deep longing to experience pregnancy and motherhood in a way that is uniquely mine. Our journey has not been easy. I have undergone various checks and have been told that I have no issues with fertility. However, Jorge is facing challenges with sperm motility, which has impacted our ability to conceive. Each month, as my menstrual cycle comes around, it serves as a painful reminder of the unsuccessful attempts we’ve made to get pregnant. I often find myself in tears, feeling the weight of disappointment as I see his children grow older, wishing we could give them a younger sibling before the age gap becomes too wide. The most challenging aspect of this journey is the emotional toll it takes on us. My family has been incredibly supportive, praying for us and hoping for our dreams to come true. But with each passing month, it feels as though we are losing hope. The thought of giving up has crossed my mind more times than I can count, especially when I consider how expensive fertility treatments can be. We simply do not have the financial means to pursue IVF on our own, and that reality is heartbreaking. Applying for this grant means the world to me. It represents a glimmer of hope in what has often felt like a dark and lonely path. Being able to undergo IVF would not only bring us closer to the dream of expanding our family, but it would also provide us with the chance to bring life into this world—a chance I have always longed for. If I could receive this support, it would alleviate some of the financial burden and allow us to focus on what truly matters: the love and joy that a new child would bring to our family. With Jorge by my side, I know that we could create a nurturing environment for a child and provide siblings for his children. It’s a dream that I hold close to my heart, and I am hopeful that with the right support, we can finally take the steps necessary to make it a reality. Thank you for considering our story and for the opportunity to share our journey. How we'll use the funds: IVF procedure, and medication after.