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The American Fertility Association Blog
I’m Still Here
November 22, 2007 - Thursday
Posted by Dana
My long fertility story started almost 10 years ago, when I was trying to get pregnant and having difficulty.
I will spare you all of the boring details, but I am now the proud single mother of a 3 year old named Sarah. (A bit challenging yes, but I wouldn’t have my life any other way!)
I first came to know the AFA when I attended a meeting in NYC. I distinctly remember walking up to the registration desk in a panic. ‘Would anyone here know me?’ ‘Would I be embarrassed to ask questions?’ ‘What happened if I found out I could never have children?’ ‘Would I Adopt a child?’
These were all the questions that were weighing on my mind. Then, Corey Whelan (now Director of Development) asked, “Would you like to become a Member?” My question to her was “How Much?” It was a silly question, of course. But, I suppose I thought my fertility journey would be successful long before I got to reap the benefits of my $50 donation.
Boy, was I wrong…
It took me 5 years to figure out why I couldn’t get pregnant, and finally when I did, why I experienced recurrent miscarriages. So, I guess I really got my $50 worth. I attended every meeting and seminar possible. I joined a Support Group. I went to the Adoption Series. I volunteered at every Kokopelli Ball since 2002. I got to know all the Doctors, Nurses, Therapists, Staff and friends of the AFA that I could. I picked their brains. I cried on their shoulders. And I finally got my answers.
I met so many warm and caring people during my journey. My Support Group lasted over a year! We all wanted to stay together during our family building journeys. Some got pregnant, some adopted, and some remained child free. I still keep in touch with a few from my group, but others have disappeared. Where have they gone? I don’t know. I wish I could figure it out myself.
My point is simple. I will never forget that the AFA was there for me when I needed them. And now, I am here for them. All of us here at the AFA are so dedicated to family building that it doesn’t end once our journey is over. We want to continue our work by helping others the way that we were helped. That’s why I’m still here. I am now on the Board of Directors, as Director of Volunteers. Funny, huh?
Volunteering is the best way for you to get to know the Organization and all of the wonderful people that help run it on a day to day basis. We have tons of resources, we have tons of events, but most of all, we have tons of work that needs to get done!
That’s why it is so important to become involved. The AFA is a Patient organization. You are the Patients. You are the people who will shape the future of family building. We need you to spread the word about all of the good things we do here. So why don’t you consider volunteering for a few hours a month? We could certainly use an extra set of hands. (or 20).
And even if your road to family building is over, like mine is, don’t forget about us. Because there are still so many people who need to pick brains, cry on shoulders and find answers.
You see, no one should have to worry about how long a $50 donation will last...that’s why we offer all of our online resources for free.
If you are interested in Volunteering with the AFA, please send me an e-mail: . I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Categories
Adoption •
Fertility •
Infertility •
Pregnancy Loss
Wow, how the years have flown by Dana! You have brought so much to every event that you have worked on, so much!!!! I am so happy to be able to call you friend, and to have had your partnership in helping people to create family.
love always,
Corey