Conceiving Dreams

Introduction

My husband and I would like to thank you for viewing our page. My name is Janet Stewart and my husband's name is Shane Stewart. We are both teachers at Title I schools in the state of Alabama and have a profound love for children and working with them. Shane is a high school Physical Science Teacher. He coaches football for the school and volunteers coaching a 12-under girls softball team at our local park. He also serves as the Special Olympics Coach for his high school and is the Head Coach for the Mobile County Special Olympic Basketball and Track/Field Teams volunteering for the past 10 years. I, Janet Stewart, am an elementary school teacher. I serve on numerous committees at school and I am the head science chairperson. I am the "team mom" for my husband's softball team.

Our Story

We have wanted to start a family since our wedding day on April 15, 2011. We conceived naturally November 2011 only to discover at 8 weeks that I would soon miscarry after the ultrasound showed nothing in the womb. I sought a second opinion and this doctor also confirmed he believed I would miscarry as no baby was present in the uterus via ultrasound. After closely monitoring HCG levels, undergoing a naturally miscarriage, and weekly lab work, I finally got a negative pregnancy result and felt we could move on. We were referred to a reproductive specialist at a national leading fertility center. After reviewing my file, the doctor immediately suspected this original pregnancy was not a regular miscarriage, but rather an ectopic pregnancy (stuck in the tube) and proceeded with a dye test. It proved the left tube was blocked and we were rushed to the operating room to have the tube removed. He told me later that I was very lucky, this type of pregnancy could have seriously caused harm to me. Since my insurance covered IUI's up to 8 attempts with medication assistance up to $3,000.00, we thought we would try it. We have had 3 failed IUI's during 2012-2013 when we decided to take a break and attempt to rebuild our savings account and let my body rest. During our break, we conceived again naturally in April 2014. Words cannot describe our surprise and excitement over this miracle! Again, we were closely monitored through lab work and ultrasound. At week 6, we received the dreaded news no couple ever wants to hear......there was no sign of a baby or sac present on the ultrasound! Our doctor again suspected another ectopic pregnancy. I was rushed to the operating room for a DNC and the pathology indicated no baby was found in the uterus. I couldn't believe this had happened twice!  My HCG continued to rise and it was clear to all that this egg was also stuck in my one remaining tube.  I was informed that I have tubal disease and my only option was IVF. The IVF procedure is not covered by our insurance. We will apply for a loan, but worry about outstanding medication costs.  This is a separate stress factor during the procedure when you have yet to conceive a child and find out whether or not pregnancy will take.

Conceiving Dreams

We realize there is no guarantee with IVF, but as two teachers with a love for children, we would love the best opportunity at having that dream come true. So we sought out help in attaining funds to help with the costs. The IVF procedure itself is over $20,000 not including the cost of medication estimated at $3,000.00.  We are asking for donations to help us make our dream of becoming parents a reality. Please help us reach our goal in paying for these costly medications and any portion of the IVF process itself. Any amount would be helpful to our fundraiser. Thank you in advance for your consideration and your generosity! 

Sincerely,

Janet and Shane Stewart