RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association

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SGF patients Kevin and Laura Jaye with Representative Tammy Duckworth at Advocacy Day 2016

On May 11th, more than 20 Shady Grove Fertility physicians, staff, and patients joined more than 200 infertility advocates at RESOLVE’s Advocacy Day 2016 to lobby on Capitol Hill. The collective mission was to raise awareness among members of Congress of the scope of infertility across the country and the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the disease. The group specifically asked for more support on several pieces of pending legislation, emphasizing that, with Congressional support, more families will have access to the care they need.

SGF has supported Advocacy Day for several years, but this year was a particularly special year. We had the opportunity to hear from Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, U.S. House of Representatives, 8th District, Illinois, a woman who served in the military, and who later, injured during service, struggled to conceive. This was especially relevant as one of this year’s main initiatives was to support a new bill designed to provide fun
ding to veterans (whose service wounds impaired their reproductive ability) in need of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

In addition, SGF was able to celebrate Lauren and Kevin Jaye, SGF patients who were honored with the RESOLVE Infertility Hero Award. The Jayes have fought and overcome infertility caused by an injury Kevin received while serving in the military. They have been very public about their experiences, including sharing story with CBS News.

Gaining Support for Veterans, Adoption, and the National Action Plan on Infertility

All of the nearly 220 advocates asked Congress to support legislation to allow veterans and other military personnel to obtain infertility and family building resources. In addition, we asked for support of bills that will improve the Adoption Tax Credit so that more people can afford to build their family through adoption and (in collaboration with Resolve) advance the goals of the National Action Plan on Infertility.

As a Visionary Partner of RESOLVE: the National Infertility Association and sponsor of Advocacy Day 2016, SGF asked members of Congress to support four important issues this year that affect the infertility community, including:

  • Women Veterans and Families Health Services Act that allows veterans to obtain IVF, adoption assistance, and other family-building benefits
  • The Veterans Amendment to the Senate Appropriations Mil-Con Bill, which will provide funding for the VA to offer IVF to veterans for 2 years
  • The Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act, which restores refundability so that families who need the credit the most will receive it
  • Goals of the National Action Plan on Infertility

Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth Discusses Veteran Access to Infertility Treatment at Advocacy Day 2016

Representative Duckworth speaking at Advocacy Day 2016


RESOLVE’s Advocacy Day 2016 began at the National Press Club, where Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth spoke about her 23 years in the military and how she battled for her positions throughout her military career, as well as how she later had to battle for the ability to have a child. On her path to parenthood, she quickly learned how limited availability of infertility treatment is for veterans.

Duckworth explained that, “in that highly competitive world, you don’t want to take any time off and as a young woman I had my mind set on battalion command someday,” which, as Duckworth explained, was a long road that coincided with her prime years, late 20s to mid-30s, to start a family.

In 2004, Duckworth was deployed to Iraq as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot for the Illinois Army National Guard. She was one of the first Army women to fly combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom until her helicopter was hit. Duckworth lost her legs and partial use of her right arm.

After 18 months of recovery, at the age of 38, she could finally start a family with her husband. She and her husband tried on their own for a year; however, since the Veteran Affairs hospital didn’t offer fertility treatment, she was referred to a reproductive specialist. The specialist told her to give up trying to conceive due to her age, she was just 41.

“In this most personal and private of moments, where I felt the most vulnerable, and least knowledgeable…I believed her. And she showed me the charts and the research…And so I went home and I gave up.”

Duckworth said she wouldn’t have changed a thing about her service in the military, but her number one regret was that she would never have the chance to carry her own child. A year later Duckworth attended a Women in Leadership event, and was connected with a specialist who told her it was possible, that she did have options. This specialist changed her life and helped her become pregnant with her daughter who she gave birth to in 2014.

Her speech conveyed how we must advocate to lift fertility treatment restrictions at Veteran Affairs Hospitals and increase insurance coverage for veterans who have sustained devastating reproductive injuries. And if infertility treatment isn’t an option, that there needs to be wider coverage for adoption, health access, and childcare access.

Shady Grove Fertility Patients, Kevin and Lauren Jaye Receive Hero Award at Advocacy Day 2016

SGF patients, Kevin Jaye and his wife, Lauren, who are expecting their first child in a couple of months, were honored at Advocacy Day 2016 for their commitment to change a law restricting the Department of Veteran Affairs from covering their treatment cost. They received the Hero Award, which recognizes the special efforts of people in the infertility community. During Advocacy Day, the Jayes, along with both of their parents, met with countless representatives and senators, advocating for change and sharing their personal story. Watch the Jayes on CBS News.

To be involved with Advocacy Day 2016, it isn’t too late to send letters to your Representatives and Senators to advocate for change. Click to find letter templates.
For more information about Shady Grove Fertility’s Military Discount Program or to schedule an appointment, please contact our New Patient Center at 877-971-7755.

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DC Walk of Hope 2014

The RESOLVE 2014 DC Walk of Hope was not hindered by a little rain with over 500 in attendance. The National Harbor Pavilion was buzzing with the feeling of hope and excitement. For some the journey was just beginning while others walked to celebrate overcoming their infertility with babies and children in tow.

The Walk of Hope raises funds to help support RESOLVE’s initiative to promote reproductive health and to ensure equal access to all family building options for men and women experiencing infertility. The impact made by RESOLVE can mainly be seen through their network of volunteer based support groups and legislative advocacy on behalf of the nearly 14 million men and women with infertility in the United States.

Jason Bromer, M.D. and Barbara Collura, President and CEO of RESOLVE

Every year, Shady Grove Fertility physicians, staff, and patients look forward to coming together in support of this important event. This year was no exception, team spirit was abound. The Shady Grove Fertility K Street Office created their own t-shirts and the over $75 was raised through penny jars alone!

As a whole over this year’s DC Walk of Hope raised over $84,000. “The Walk of Hope is about community.  We want those suffering to feel the support of their families and friends, the community, and from RESOLVE.  The Walk of Hope proves that everyone needs someone to support them on this journey. No one with infertility should walk alone.”  Julie Hall, Walk of Hope Chair.

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Barbara Collura (RESOLVE) and Mark Segal (SGF) at the 2nd annual Walk of Hope 2013 in DC.

Join Shady Grove Fertility, RESOLVE, and others in the fertility community at the Walk of Hope 2014 on Saturday, June 21st in National Harbor, MD.

Registration for the event is free. Last year, the Walk of Hope raised over $70,000. RESOLVE and Shady Grove Fertility are hopeful the Walk of Hope 2014 will provide even more for the infertility community around the DC area. We encourage donations and fundraising for the event to help fund public awareness initiatives, advocacy efforts, and local support groups for women and couples struggling with infertility.

Join the Shady Grove Fertility Team!

How to Register for the Walk of Hope 2014

  • Go to – resolve.org/dcwalk
  • Click – “Join team”
  • Select “Shady Grove Fertility” or “Shady Grove Fertility – K Street” as your Team Company

 Join Shady Grove Fertility at the Walk of Hope 2014 in DC!

Check out highlights from the Walk of Hope 2013

If you 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.

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Getting involved in the 25th annual National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) is easy. Every effort, no matter the size, helps to spread infertility awareness to higher levels and brings women and men struggling together. This NIAW, pledge to make a difference by finding a way to get involved.

  1. Participate in the 2014 Advocacy Day -For the past several years Shady Grove Fertility Physicians, staff, and patients have joined RESOLVE to speak with legislators on Advocacy Day. During this daylong event, women and men living with infertility come together in Washington, D.C. to talk to Members of Congress about issues important to our community. This event ensures that you have a chance for your voice to be heard. In preparation for the event RESOLVE provides registrants training and information needed for this day of empowerment. Advocacy Day is a great opportunity to meet RESOLVE leaders and others from the infertility community who want to make a difference. Over 100 people have already signed up,
    register today to attend Advocacy Day – May 7th, 2014.
    Check out photos from last year’s Advocacy Day
  1. Write a Letter to Your Representative – Can’t make it to D.C. for Advocacy Day? That’s ok! It only takes three letters to get the attention for the average representative and it can take as little or as much time as you have to put everything together. If you want to make sure your voice is heard this form letter can be quickly printed, signed, and mailed off to D.C. If you have a little more time, the most powerful letters include a personal testimonial about your specific experience with infertility. Sharing your story is a great way to help representatives understand what their constitutes need, insurance coverage through state mandates is a great example of legislation related to fertility care. Last year hundreds of Shady Grove Fertility patients wrote letters to their representatives, making a strong impression among local leaders.
    Click here to submit a template email to your Senator.
    Click here to submit a template email to your Representative.
  1. Share Your Story, Share Your Strength – Time and time again the most popular emails we send out are patient stories. These inspirational testimonials continue to help patients find hope when it might otherwise be hard to find. Your experience is no different. This NIAW share your story and your strength to help others when they need it the most.
    Share Your Story
  1. Participate in RESOLVE’S Walk of Hope – RESOLVE’s Walk of Hope is a one mile walk that recognizes the many ways in which families are built. The third annual Walk of Hope: Washington D.C will be held on Saturday, June 21st 2014 at the National Harbor in Maryland. Funds raised from the Walk support local RESOLVE programming which includes support groups and educational events, public awareness initiatives, and advocacy efforts to ensure family building options are available to all!
    Click here to register for the 2014 RESOLVE Walk of Hope
    Check out photos from the 2013 Walk of Hope
  1. Volunteer with RESOLVE – Looking to extend your involvement out side of NIAW? Look no farther than the many volunteer opportunities available through RESOLVE. Whether you are interested in becoming a Peer-Led Support Group Leader, Coordinator, or advocate there is something for everyone.
    Check out more details at resolve.org
  1. Spread the Word on Social Media – 1 in 8 women and their partners will experience infertility. Help take away that feeling of being alone, and help spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, and any other network where you have a voice.
    Share “I am 1 in 8” on Facebook
  1. Heart to Heart Video Contest – Ferring is once again putting on their “Heart to Heart” video contest. If you used BRAVELLE®, MENOPUR®, and/or REPRONEX® you could be the next winner a $10,000 educational fund. Put together a short, creative video essay about your journey to parenthood and provide some needed inspiration to others hoping to build or grow their families.
    Learn more about the “Heart to Heart” contest

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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Dr. Eric Levens and Dr. Rachana Garde speak with attendees at the Richmond Fertility Workshop.

Last month, Shady Grove Fertility physicians and staff visited the Fertility Workshop: Taking Control of Your Ticking Clock at the University of Richmond. The Richmond Fertility Workshop hosted nearly 100 couples for lectures from reproductive endocrinologists, a psychologist, an acupuncturist, and a financial expert. One of the presenters was one of Shady Grove Fertility’s psychologists, Dr. Erica Mindes. Dr. Mindes has a special interest in helping couples needing fertility treatment to conceive

and is available for sessions at Shady Grove Fertility’s offices in Annandale and Woodbridge, VA.

Kendra Noll, Patient Liaison at Shady Grove Fertility, speaks with a guest at the Richmond Fertility Workshop.

Kendra Noll, Patient Liaison at Shady Grove Fertility, attended the event and shared the value of having men and women go to these types of workshops. “We have so many patients that come up from the Richmond and Virginia Beach areas. The event gave patients the opportunity to speak with physicians and other professionals to ask questions regarding fertility treatment.”

Dr. Eric Levens and Dr. Rachana Garde also represented Shady Grove Fertility at this Richmond Fertility Workshop hosted by the RESOLVE group from the Richmond area. Both Dr. Levens and Dr. Garde spoke with men and women prior to the lectures and answer any questions regarding treatment options.

One of the featured speakers at the Richmond Fertility Workshop as Candace from MTV’s True Life: I’m Desperate to Have a Baby. From the Virginia, she was able to share her experience of struggling to conceive and multiple rounds of fertility treatment.

 
Shady Grove Fertility welcomes patients from the Richmond area as well as the rest of Virginia. Depending on distance from one of our offices, many patients are eligible to have a free phone consultation with a physician prior to visiting our fertility center.

If you are struggling to conceive, speak with one of our friendly New Patient Liaisons by calling 888-971-7755 or clicking here.

2026 Shady Grove Fertility

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