Support Chantelle & Cornelius to grow their family

Firstly we would like to thank you for taking the time to read this. Cornelius and myself got married in November 2002 and started trying to get pregnant right away. After a year we decided to visit a gynae and after the results of the semen analysis we were told that we would never be able to have children. The news left us devastated but we did not give up. After another 2 years went by my friend that was pregnant as the time took me with to her gynae appointment. We scheduled our appointment and went through all the tests. All our test results came back 100% including the semen analysis. I was scheduled for a laparoscopy and was diagnosed with endometrioses. 3 Months later we received our BFB and we were over the moon. Our beautiful baby boy was born in 2006. We started trying to conceive soon after baby was born as we were scared that we won't be able to conceive again. In 2008 I showed signs that the endometrioses has returned and was book for another laparoscopy. Six weeks later another BFB but at 6 weeks of pregnancy I started bleeding and rushed to our gynae. Baby was still moving and heartbeat was strong. Doctor recommended bed rest. The next day the bleeding was worst and was asked to come in for another scan. Baby was still moving but heartbeat was weak. Our little angel only had a 50% chance of survival. By that evening it was all over, our angel was taken away. I was completely heartbroken. In 2010 we fell pregnant again but miscarried at 7 weeks. No reason for these miscarriages. We had 2 more very early miscarriages after that and then we started asking questions and I started blaming myself.

To add to all of this I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2015. We could not believe this, how much more can go wrong? My thyriod was removed and went for radiation. We lost out on a year. In 2016 the oncologist gave us the go ahead to try again. We were referred to a fertility specialist to assist us with our journey. We went through various tests, homeplans, IUI's and all unsuccessful. We were given two option Option 1: IVF and Option 2: Laparoscopy to remove endo. We were quoted R60 000 for our 1st IVF cycle. Wow that is a lot of saving to do and will take us some time to reach that target. We opted for the second option as it is more affordable and our medical aid does cover for this. The fertility specialist advised that we try naturally for 6 months and if nothing we are left with IVF as my AHM level is low and also taking our age in consideration (36 and 39). Our 6 months is almost over and nothing.

Unfortunetly, the medical aids in SA offer no coverage for fertility and we are being forced to rely upon our own funds and the generosity of those who love us. We never imagined in a million years that we would be at this point.

Our target goal for funding is R60 000 in order to get us our first IVF treatment. Any donated funds that exceed our IVF cost will be placed in a fund for another couple who has faced infertility, but wants to grow their family through IVF.

We appreciate any help that you can give us and we will be forever grateful. This is our last chance to complete our family.

We will continue to keep you posted on our progress as soon as our IVF journey starts.

Love,

Chantelle, Cornelius and Brandon