Shortly after this beautiful picture was taken, my oldest daughter and my new son-in-law went on their honeymoon. What was supposed to be a fun time and a celebration kicking off their new life together — and hopefully their last trip together before starting the family that my daughter has dreamed of her whole life — turned into phone calls home because Caitlin just didn’t feel well.
She had complained of being tired for a while, but we chalked it up to the added stress of planning a wedding, not to mention burning the midnight oil to make sure her teaching degree was achieved prior to the wedding so that, once the festivities were over, she could get straight to work on having her first child. On top of that, she was teaching dance classes and working a full-time job at a local staple, The Soda Grill.
Immediately upon their return, Caitlin made an appointment with the gynecologist to get all of the standard tests out of the way and make sure that her first pregnancy would be a healthy one. Unfortunately, that was not going to be the case. Her pap smear raised some concerns and was followed up by several other tests to confirm our worst fear.
I got a call one morning. My daughter’s name and number showed on the screen, but the hysterical sound that came from my phone sounded nothing like my child. It’s not something a mother will ever forget. Once she was able to calm herself, she told me what the doctor had said, and nothing has been the same since. Her hopes and dreams — and my hopes and dreams for my child and grandchild — were shattered in an instant.
I tried to stay positive in the weeks and months going forward, but I was sick at the thought of the possible outcome. After weeks of chemo and radiation, my child was spared by the grace of God, but her uterus was rendered “not viable.”
I can’t even describe the devastation that Dave and Caitlin have learned to live with to the best of their ability, but I can say that the only flicker of light has been that, by the miracle of medicine, they were able to complete the painful process of egg extraction and now have 11 frozen embryos to give them hope. Now it comes down to the cost of having those embryos successfully implanted and their dreams brought to life via a surrogate — not a simple or inexpensive task.
I am so proud of both of them, as they have upheld their vows of “in sickness and in health” in a way that no young couple should ever have to. They have supported each other and continue to work every single day on coping with what feels like a bad dream in their personal lives, all while supporting their siblings, friends, and their own parents in so many ways every single day.
With this, I ask that their family and friends continue to help in any way that they can, whether it be through contributing, sharing this fundraiser, sharing ideas of other ways to raise the necessary funds, or even just offering a word of encouragement and love for them.
I am including a letter from Caitlin — one of many written in an attempt to obtain funding through grants that have been denied for one reason or another, mostly because this world is stalled by red tape — so that you can read what neither she nor Dave will say out loud. They are givers, not takers, but sometimes even the givers need a little help.
I just want to thank everyone in advance for any and all contributions.
— Trish

When I was diagnosed with Stage 2B cervical cancer, my life changed in ways I never expected. While I am incredibly grateful to continue fighting and moving forward, the treatments that helped save my life also took away my ability to carry a child.
Becoming a parent has always been a dream of mine, and after everything this journey has brought, I am holding onto hope through surrogacy. Unfortunately, the costs associated with surrogacy, medical procedures, legal fees, and related expenses are overwhelming and far beyond what I can manage alone.
I am creating this to ask for help in making this dream possible. Every donation, and word of encouragement means more than I can express. Your support is not only helping with financial costs — it is helping give me the chance to build the family I have always hoped for after cancer changed so much of my life.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for your kindness, and for supporting me on this journey toward parenthood…….Caitlin