I’m glad to report that National Infertility Awareness Week was a big success here in DETROIT! We had more than 200 walkers register for the very first Walk of Hope in Michigan and I’m so proud that I had a front row seat.
The theme for this year is Infertility Uncovered and that is what we accomplished. From social media warriors who took over RESOLVE’s Instagram pages to brave warriors who rallied friends and family members to create fundraising teams to donate towards this cause. We took a stand to make it clear that while we are the 1 in 8, we are NOT alone.
I served along side Sue Johnston, The In-Fertility Advocate, to Co-Chair the Walk of Hope and we did it in just a few short weeks. Just after Valentine’s Day, we decided that our efforts would be magnified if we tackled this huge task together. We became fast friends over phone calls, text messages, and emails.
We had no idea how many people would join us or if we could expect any of the professionals who work with RESOLVE to support this brand new effort. We were pleasantly surprised at the response. The National Fertility Support Center joined us a Presenting Sponsor and we also had support from Gago Center for Fertility, Michigan Medical, and Reproductive Medicine Associates of Michigan as Champion Sponsors. Our community sponsors were The Art of Infertility, Harris Counseling, Hope and Healing Fertility Counseling, Michigan Center for Fertility and Women’s Health, Paul Taylor Films, Pegasus Entertainment, RSCA Sound Design & Communications, and Staples. THANK YOU ALL!
We came together to raise awareness and I trust that all were inspired by our partnership. I’ve already had requests for information for future events and I’m holding back from jumping into planning for 2020.
Wherever you are, I hope that made your own impact to uncover infertility and be the face of the struggle in your own circle. I am committed to standing next to those who have the desire to speak out and to stand in for those who do not. My father-in-law said something that stood out as he reflected on the walk. He said that even as successful as our event was, there is more to come. We should expect even more attention to paid to how difficult infertility is and how strong we are for facing it.
That sounds about right. You will not find a stronger fighter than those who stand against infertility while maintaining their sanity and showing up for life day after day. This is what the struggle requires and this is what we give it. We are strong. So, move over Wonder Woman, Michigan is full of WARRIORS!
Stayed tuned to Hope In Fertility for more opportunities to join together to with others who struggle to grow their families. My next opportunity will be in Washington, D.C. for RESOLVE’s Advocacy Day. Rodney and I will share our experiences to encourage our law makers to think about the infertility community as they decide what’s best for our state and country.
What’s next for you? I’d love to hear what you’ve got planned. Can I pray with you and for you concerning your next steps? Comment below.
HOPE-Filled Thought: You are not alone!
Prayer: Thank you Lord for your love and care for us all. Bring us together to serve and to be served. We trust you and know that this is your desire for those who love you. Open our eyes to those around us to help fulfill our purpose. We receive this guidance with joy and it is so. Amen.
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