Cade Foundation

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On Saturday, June 11, 2016, Shady Grove Fertility joined the Tinina Q. Cade Foundation to host the 11th annual Maryland Race for the Family at the Maryland Zoo. The Cade Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes infertility awareness and provides grants to infertile couples in order to access treatment that otherwise would not have been possible.
Those who came were entertained by the 5K race, a magic show, toddler trot, Savannah’s Playground, and of course the long awaited grudge match between the Shady Grove Fertility physicians and embryologists. This year, the SGF physician team won the race, and the bragging rights.
We had over 715 walkers and runners join us for the race at the Baltimore Zoo and, with the help of many volunteers, fundraisers, and 15 sponsors, the event raised over $85,000 for the Cade Foundation!

SGF Patient Receives $10,000 towards Fertility Treatment at the Maryland Race for the Family

As always, the most anticipated part of the event was the announcement of the 2016 winner of the $10,000 raffle toward fertility treatment and medications. In support of  our patients, Shady Grove Fertility donates one treatment cycle, up to a $10,000 value, to be raffled off to one lucky couple, with medications donated by EMD Serono. “The Race for the Family is a great event that allows us to increase awareness, share hope, and connect families who are overcoming infertility. We are honored to partner with Shady Grove Fertility and are grateful for their generous support,” said Dr. Camille Hammond, CEO of the Cade Foundation.

This year, Jennifer Smith, a current patient of Dr. Jason Bromer from the SGF Frederick office, won the raffle. In a very touching story, her friend entered both Jennifer and her husband, Jeremy, into the raffle and they were beyond excited to hear that they were the winners!
Jennifer and Jeremy have been trying to conceive for 6 years but it wasn’t until about 2 years ago that they realized something more might be going on. They then knew it was time to see a specialist, and that’s how they found Shady Grove Fertility. Over the past 6 months at SGF they have gone through five intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles and only have insurance coverage for one more cycle.

Jennifer shared, “With no more insurance coverage, after the next cycle we knew we were going to be done, so it’s been really hard on us. The only thing that has given me faith the past month was knowing that the Cade Race was coming up; I felt really happy and excited for the first time in months—it was the only thing that pulled me through this month. I had no idea we were going to win, but I just had faith. When I heard my best friend, ‘Hardesty’s,’ name called, I couldn’t believe it—I’ve never cried happy tears before. It was honestly the best feeling to have one of your best friends there and to hear his name called—it was amazing!” 

“Thanks so much to Shady Grove Fertility and the Tinina Cade Foundation for this opportunity—even to know it was an opportunity before we won has helped so much. It gave me faith. And a special thanks to all of the nurses, doctors, team members, my race team “Giddy Up,” and my friends and family for supporting us, cheering for us, wishing us luck, and/or donating. To me they deserve credit because they helped make it happen—not only for us but for the Cade Foundation and all of the future winners,” Jennifer added.

Shady Grove Fertility would like to thank everyone who supported this year’s Maryland Race for the Family: the SGF physicians and staff, the runners and walkers, our corporate sponsors, and all of those who donated to this fantastic cause. For nearly a decade, Shady Grove Fertility and the Cade Foundation have worked together to raise more than $580,000 to help couples struggling with infertility.

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On Saturday, June 13, 2015, Shady Grove Fertility hosted the Cade Foundation’s 10th Annual Maryland Race for the Family, raising over $65,000 to provide family building grants that will help families afford the costs of fertility treatment or domestic adoption. The Tinina Q. Cade Foundation is a non-profit organization that serves the needs of families battling infertility through education, outreach, and grants.

The Race for the Family Reaches New Heights in 2015

In the past decade, through events like the Race for the Family, SGF and the Cade Foundation have raised over $650,000 for the infertility community. The Cade Foundation has given over 55 family building grants.

“I was thrilled and humbled by the number of families who came out to the event to OVERCOME infertility,” said Camille Hammond, chief executive officer, Tinina Q. Cade Foundation. “Shady Grove Fertility has been a strong partner to the Cade Foundation and a strong resource for families struggling with—but OVERCOMING—infertility.”

Over 650 people registered for the 2015 Maryland Race for the Family, which was held—for the first time ever—at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to the 5k run and 5k walk, there was a 1 mile Family Fun Run and a playground with activities for children.

The 2015 treatment raffle prize is awarded.

By partnering with the Cade Foundation, SGF is able to give back to the patient community, via fundraising efforts and the raffle to win $10,000 towards fertility treatment at one of our 22 locations. A SGF patient from our Baltimore Harbor office won this year’s raffle.

“The Maryland Race for the Family is a great opportunity to come together with patients and staff to support the infertility community and raise funds to help families in need,” said Frank E. Chang, M.D., of Shady Grove Fertility’s Rockville, MD, office.

If you would like to learn more about Shady Grove Fertility or are ready to schedule an appointment, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 877-971-7755.

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On Saturday, September 13, 2014, Shady Grove Fertility joined the Tinina Q. Cade Foundation to host the 9th annual Maryland Race for the Family. The Cade Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes infertility awareness and provides grants to infertile couples in order to access treatment that otherwise would not have been possible.

In 2014, the Race for the Family boasted 203 runners, 102 walkers, and 21 corporate sponsors who helped to raise nearly $60,000 for the Cade Foundation.  Dr. Frank E. Chang, an SGF physician and Cade Foundation board member, said, “We are proud of the contributions our team makes through fundraising and volunteering with the Cade Foundation, in order to help couples overcome infertility.”

It’s not too late to support The Cade Foundation. Click here to donate

This phenomenal fundraising effort was brought about in large part through staff-driven fundraisers at each office, with events ranging from a Frederick Keys baseball game to a potluck lunch to a variety of raffles. SGF offices alone raised over $2,800. Fundraising also took place at the Race itself, courtesy of activities including the 5K Run and Fun Walk and the hotly-anticipated SGF physician-embryologist tricycle race. This year, the SGF embryology team won the race – and the bragging rights.

In support of Race Day, Shady Grove Fertility donates up to $10,000 for fertility treatment to be raffled off to one lucky couple. “[This] is a fantastic prize that helps us raise awareness about family building for our Race for the Family,” said Dr. Camille Hammond, CEO of the Cade Foundation. “All proceeds from the raffle go to the Cade Foundation. It’s a win-win for both our foundation and the patient trying to conceive.”

Tiffany Emami-Locke, the 2013 treatment raffle winner, was present at the Race with her son Cole and is currently pregnant with her second child, the result of the treatment she won at the 2013 Cade Race. Returning to the 2014 Race brought back so many exciting memories: “I will never forget pulling into the park in the early morning and seeing the rows of cars and so many strollers. So many miracle babies.”

This year’s raffle was won by John and Lauren Heier. “After six years of struggling with infertility with no success, we had given up hope on having a biological family, but the Cade Foundation has now given us an opportunity we never thought would be possible. We are very excited to continue our journey and feel forever indebted to the Tinina Q. Cade Foundation.”

Shady Grove Fertility would like to thank everyone who supported this year’s Race for the Family: the SGF physicians and staff, the runners and walkers, our corporate sponsors, and all of those who donated to this fantastic cause. For nearly a decade, Shady Grove Fertility and the Cade Foundation have worked together to raise more than $500,000 to help couples battling infertility.

If you have questions about fertility or are ready to schedule an appointment at Shady Grove Fertility, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 877-971-7755.

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Financial Options: Insurance Coverage

Shady Grove Fertility participates with over 30 insurance providers, making fertility treatment more accessible to patients. 90% of insured patients have coverage for their initial consultation.

  • Adventist Healthnet
  • Aetna
  • Amerihealth HMO
  • Anthem
  • Berkshire Health Plan
  • Capital BC/BS
  • Carefirst BC/BS of Maryland
  • Carefirst Blue Choice
  • Carefirst National Capital Area
  • Choice Care Network
  • CHP/Informed
  • Cigna
  • Coventry Healthcare National Network (Formerly First Health)
  • GreatWest Healthcare
  • Health America
  • Highmark BC/BS
  • Highmark BC/BS Premier
  • Health Keepers
  • Independence BC/BS
  • Intergroup
  • Kaiser
  • Keystone Health Plan East
  • Keystone Health Plan Central
  • MAMSI Life & Health
  • MDIPA/Optimum Choice
  • MultiPlan Network
  • OneNet PPO (Formerly Alliance PPO)
  • Parent Steps
  • Private Healthcare Systems
  • Tricare
  • United Healthcare
  • United Resource Network

Financial Options: Unique Fertility Programs

Shady Grove Fertility currently provides several financial programs to help ease the cost of treatment when insurance isn’t an option. In 2013, over 3,000 patients participated in one these unique programs.

100% Guarantee Programs

  • Shared Risk 100% Refund for IVF offers qualified patients up to six fresh cycles of IVF treatment as well as any resulting frozen embryo transfers. If the patient does not take home a baby or stop the program at any time, 100 percent of the fee is refunded. It’s that simple.
  • Shared Risk 100% Refund for Donor Egg is similar to the IVF program, with the exception that the patient will be using donated eggs for treatment. If the patient does not take home a baby or stop the program at any time, 100 percent of the fee is refunded.

Financing Options

  • Fertility Finance, LLC specializes in providing loans for all fertility treatments. An easy application process and competitive rates provide assistance with the financial aspects of care.

Discount Programs

  • Shared Donor Egg allows patients to share a donor with one or two other recipients  and therefore shares the cost of those donated eggs. Shared Donor Egg can reduce the cost of donor egg treatment by up to 50 percent.
  • Shared Help Discount Program offers a discount on all testing and treatment provided at Shady Grove Fertility.
  • Multi-Cycle Discount Program offers close to a 40 percent discount on multiple IVF cycles.
  • Military Discount offers active duty and reservists a 25 percent discount.

Financial Options – Fertility Grants

There are several organizations that offer grants for men and women going through fertility treatment. The Family Building Grant available through the Cade Foundation offers patients up to $10,000 towards fertility treatment. In recent years Shady Grove Fertility has helped raise over $500,000 for Cade Foundation and the Family Building Grants. The next deadline is quickly approaching – get more info on the Family Building Grant.

Foundations & Fertility Grants

If you would like to learn more about the financial options for fertility treatment available at Shady Grove Fertility or would like to schedule an appointment at Shady Grove Fertility, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 877-971-7755.

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The New York Times recently addressed infertility among black women in “Infertility, Endured Through a Prism of Race.” Is infertility more common among black women? Are black women aware of medical and financial options available to help them build their families?

The New York Times: Race & Infertility Treatment

According to Shady Grove Fertility, Frank E. Chang, M.D., even in states – like Maryland – where infertility treatment may be covered by insurance, black women seek out treatment less often.

Dr. Camille Hammond, of the Cade Foundation, suggested that is a knowledge gap for black women about their options, “It’s not just family building – it’s knowing how to go about paying for it, where to get support.”

Prevalence of women ages 24-44 who have sough medical help to conceive. (National Center of Health Statistics)

Data provided by the Department of Health and Human Services from the National Center of Health Statistics, says that 15 percent of white women ages 25-44 in the U.S. have sought medical help to get pregnant. For Hispanic and black women, the rate nearly drops in half, 7.6 and 8 percent respectively.

To make the gap worse, married black women had almost twice the odds of experiencing infertility, according to the National Survey of Family Growth conducted from 2006 to 201 by the National Center for Health Statistics.

Read the complete article from The New York Times, and here from women who have experience infertility, and those that are trying to raise awareness about infertility in minority communities.

If you have questions about fertility or are ready to schedule an appointment at Shady Grove Fertility, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 877-971-7755.

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The evolution of fertility treatment and care over the past 30 years is a result of the meticulous efforts of many from physicians and researchers to advocates and patients. These infertility pioneers’ efforts have not only resulted in nearly doubling the success rates associated with IVF – leading to the birth of over 5 million babies throughout the globe – but brought infertility into the cultural forefront as a problem impacting millions and worthy of everyone’s attention which has changed the nation’s perspective on infertility today.

Below are some men and women that have helped shape the conversation about infertility.

Infertility Pioneers: Medical Milestones

Louise Brown and Dr. Robert Edwards, a pioneer in IVF treatment.

Robert Edwards, M.D., Patrick Steptoe M.D., Howard Jones, M.D. and Georgeanna Jones, M.D. – On July 25, 1978 after years of research, trial and error from Dr. Robert Edwards and Dr. Patrick Steptoe Louise Brown, the world’s first IVF baby, was born. Nearly 3 years later Howard Jones, M.D. and Georgeanna Jones, M.D. would have the accomplish the same milestone with the birth of Elizabeth Jordan Carr, the first IVF baby born in the United States. Dr. Robert Edwards contribution to the care of men and women with infertility was so profound that in 2010 he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, it is believe that had Dr. Patrick Steptoe still be alive he would have received the same award.

Gianpiero Palermo, M.D. and Andre Van Steirteghem, M.D.- In 1991, Dr. Gianpiero Palermo along with Dr. Andre Van Steirteghem achieved the first Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) birth in the world. Prior to this medical breakthrough there were little to no treatment options available to treat male factor infertility which represents nearly 40 to 50 percent of all diagnosed cases of infertility. Male factor infertility, when at least some sperm is present, is now highly treatable thanks to ICSI.

1997: Michael Tucker has first successful birth of child from a frozen egg.

Michael Tucker, Ph.D.– Over the past 30 years Dr. Michael Tucker’s pioneering work in IVF technologies has received world-wide recognition. In 1992, he helped to advance the ICSI technique and was a member of the team responsible for the first “ICSI baby” born in the US. In 1997, he led a team that was successful in achieving the first pregnancy and birth using cryopreserved eggs, technology that he would later help to advance to become the predominant freezing method used today called Vitrification.

While these developments have been monumental in the advancement of IVF treatment his greatest accomplishment has been his ability to make laboratory technology more accessible to help men and women with infertility around the world. Since Dr. Tucker has been working to improve the processes in the embryology laboratory he has advised, consulted, and trained over 50 other practices bringing quality fertility care to patients across the world.

Infertility Pioneers: Increasing Access to Fertility Treatment

Michael J. Levy, M.D. – Fertility treatment, specifically IVF and donor egg treatment, can be expensive especially in situations where insurance isn’t an option. In 1994, Dr. Michael Levy and the physicians at Shady Grove Fertility offered the first ever 100 percent guarantee program for medical treatment. While considered controversial at the time, since the introduction of  Shared Risk, similar programs have been established at many other fertility centers, increasing access to fertility care. Thirteen years later, another financial program, the Shared Donor Egg Program, was introduced by Shady Grove Fertility. Donor egg treatment, which historically was out of reach for most patients, suddenly became an option for thousands. The program allows participants to not only split the eggs a donor produces but also share the cost associated with up to two other couples, nearly cutting the cost of treatment in half.

Member of House of Delegates: Virginia P. Clagett, Democrat, District 30, Anne Arundel County

U.S. Law Makers- In recent years, several laws have been presented and passed directly related to infertility and the care required to overcome this disease that impacts one in eight women and their partners. In addition to federal regulation, some states have mandates that require employers to provide fertility coverage when certain requirements are met. In 2000, Maryland Insurance Code Ann. § 15-810 sponsored by Delegates Virginia P. Clagett, Anthony G. Brown, Michael E. Busch, John P. Donoghue, Tony E. Fulton, Hattie N. Harrison, Mary Ann E. Love, Brian R. Moe, Mary M. Rosso, and  James E. Rzepkowski  amends the original 1985 law and as a result prohibited health insurance providers that offer pregnancy-related benefits from excluding infertility treatment, like in vitro fertilization. In the years since this amendment, the law has helped thousands of patients access care that otherwise may not have been available due to the financial aspects of treatment.

In May 2013, the Family Act of 2013, (S 881/HR 1851) was introduced to the U.S. Senate by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) that would create a tax credit for the out-of-pocket costs associated with IVF and fertility preservation. This bill, which has yet to be passed and made into law, mirrors the current Adoption Tax Credit offering a similar type of tax credit. Should this bill pass it would bring much needed financial relief to thousands of people who need IVF to treat their infertility. Since this bill was introduced, Donna Edwards (D-MD), Eleanor Norton, (D-DC), and Chris Van Hollen, (D-MD) have all co-sponsored the bill. Ask your Member of Congress to support this legislation by sending them a personalized letter. Write a letter to your Senator.

Camille Hammond, M.D., MPH– Camille and her husband, Jason, had been struggling to conceive for nearly five years when they learned they would need a gestational carrier to have children. It was this life changing experience that prompted Camille to establish The Tinina Q. Cade Foundation (Cade Foundation) with the mission to provide educational support and financial assistance to help infertile families in need OVERCOME infertility. Since its creation this nonprofit organization has hosted hundreds of outreach events throughout the U.S. and provided 43 families with financial support for adoption and fertility treatment nationwide.  There are currently 33 Cade Foundation babies as a result of Jason and Camille’s determination.

Infertility Pioneers: Supporting Awareness and Education

Barbara Eck – Barbara Eck – In 1974, Barbara Eck, a nurse facing infertility, started the first RESOLVE support group around her kitchen table. Today, the non-profit organization, known as RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association exists to improve the lives of women and men living with infertility. Volunteer run support groups are one way that RESOLVE works towards that goal. Annually RESOLVE and their team of volunteers host more than 200 support groups helping over 24,000 men and women a year.

While the foundation of the organization was built on providing emotional support, today RESOLVE is the leading patient advocacy organization, supporting important legislation aimed at increasing access to fertility care and provide financial relief for treatment and adoption. On the state level, RESOLVE fights for the rights of the infertility community by supporting legislation that helps people with infertility while pushing against laws that would restrict access to family building options. The last element of RESOLVE’s mission is working to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around the disease of infertility. One such example of their awareness initiative is National Infertility Awareness Week, created by the group 25 years ago.

Elisabeth Rohm (Law & Order) with Dr. Robert Stillman (RESOLVE Hope Award for Service Recipient)

Celebrities and Pop Culture- Over the past several years, celebrities have played a large role in creating awareness and reducing the stigma of infertility and treatment. Both Sherri Shepherd, from ABC’s The View, and Elisabeth Rohm, from NBC’s popular series Law & Order, have lent a helping hand to several nonprofit organizations from the Cade Foundation to RESOLVE. Their continued contributions have enabled women and men struggling with infertility to feel even more empowered to stay the course and  ultimately realize their dreams of becoming parents.

Current and Former Patients-  The most powerful stories come from the men and women on the front lines, those that have personally experienced the highs and lows that come with the quest to  overcome infertility. As the conversation around infertility continues to grow so does the desire to learn more about it from a firsthand perspective. Every year, hundreds of patients share their stories in several different ways including through online communities, media stories on TV or in magazines and newspapers, and even at seminars for new patients.

SGF Patients, Aren & Jeff Dodge, submitted this video for the 2013 Ferring “Heart to Heart” video contest. The couple won the grand prize, a $15,000 education fund for their daughter, as well as raised infertility awareness. Enter to win the 2014 “Heart to Heart” contest.

Andrea volunteered to be a gestational carrier for her friends, Sandi and Phil. Earlier this year, they shared their story with NBC’s The TODAY Show.

Read SGF’s 20 Paths to Positive, a compilation of inspiring fertility journeys written by SGF patients.

Join Shady Grove Fertility on Facebook and connect with over 13,000 women and men who are on (or have completed) their fertility journeys. Share your experiences and receive support from others in a similar place as you.

If you have questions about fertility or are ready to schedule an appointment at Shady Grove Fertility, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 877-971-7755.

2026 Shady Grove Fertility

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