Race for the Family - Join us in Maryland - June 10, 2017!
I am a BGR - a black girl who runs, who ran who walks and who struggled with infertility. After years of practicing on our own to conceive ;-) and years of frustration- my husband and I started seeing a fertility doctor. We went through 5 years of fertility treatment (6 rounds of IVF, hundreds of negative fertility tests, more needles than I can or care to remember) and more tears than I am able to count.
At that point- our doctor sat us down with the news we feared: things weren't working and we needed to change course. We were young and healthy but weren't getting pregnant. We were also broke- and were relying on relatives and equity lines to pay for our treatment. I left the clinic that day heartbroken and called my momma to share my sorrows. She asked if she- a 54 year old post menopausal woman -could carry a baby for me. I thanked her politely- declined her offer and went on feeling heartbroken. She and my dad then spoke with their doctors who said it was risky but possible.
They circled back and shared with the hubby (aka my handsome incredible supportive Morehouse Man and husband Jason) and I -that it was in fact possible for my mom to carry our babies. After a lot of prayer and conversation we moved forward and on December 28, 2004- she delivered my triplets! Jason and I were so grateful at the selfless love and generosity that my mom and daddy showed us that we started a charity to raise money to give one infertility family $10,000 to pursue parenthood. That initial goal has grown multifold and I now run the Tinina Q Cade Foundation (named after my mommy) and have funded 70 families with up to $10,000 each for fertility treatment or adoption.
Our annual Race for the Family- hosted by Shady Grove Fertility- is an important event that raises much of the money we give for our grants. I am really excited about partnering with the BGR! organization this year and am hopeful that I will see many of you ladies out on the race course.
Until then- see you out there on the streets and pathways beating that pavement!
3 Responses
Carol
This article hit close to home. I struggled conceiving and ended up having a full hysterectomy at a young age without ever conceiving a child. The emotional and financial strain it has caused will be with me for awhile. This is an amazing thing your doing one day I hope to be strong enough to participate and show even though I was never blessed with children I can still help others. Bless you and your family for this special gift, extra hugs for your mother!
Anna H
This is such a beautiful cause and post. At 36 Ialso struggle with infertility issues. Some days I’m good and others I’m. However your story is encouraging and reminder that I’m not alone in this.
 and years of frustration- my husband and I started seeing a fertility doctor. We went throug...&media=http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0716/2975/files/unnamed-3_1911d3a0-2841-47b3-bbe2-dc779d440680_compact.jpg?v=1484066150){kind=link}
Shelley Francis Travis
February 05, 2017
Hey Beautiful,
Your mom is truly a gem….one of kind…she always has a special place in my heart. You and Jason have truly been blessed every time I hear your story it amazes me. I am not sure if I can attend yet but I will make a donation to the race…we are trying to start a family this year so keep these two 40+ year olds in your prayers:)
Hugs,
Shelley