Nora and Ryan

Nora and Ryan had always dreamed of starting a family together. In fact, on their third date, they started a list of their favorite baby names—the one at the top was reserved for their future baby girl. As two young professionals in good health, they were discouraged when, after months of trying, they still were not pregnant. After consulting with a doctor, they discovered that they each had underlying health conditions which would make conceiving naturally nearly impossible for them—IVF was their only realistic option if they wanted a chance to have their own biological children someday. 

But Ryan and Nora had just scraped together their life savings to purchase a house—there was no way they could afford the astronomically expensive tests, multiple egg retrievals, transfers, and storage fees they were quoted. They pooled money from loved ones but were still far short of the funds they would need. They considered opening new credit cards or taking out a HELOC loan, but were concerned to add “financial debt” to the mounting list of stressors they were facing. 

A family friend suggested they apply for a loan through JFLA. Within weeks they were approved and had the money they needed to begin IVF. Having these interest-free funds significantly reduced the angst the couple felt as they navigated the physical, emotional, and financial difficulties of the IVF process. 

And after six months of IVF treatment, and 10 months of pregnancy, Ryan and Nora were thrilled to welcome their beautiful baby girl, Eliana. 

The happy family of three just celebrated Eliana’s first birthday. Eliana is healthy, curious, sweet, musical, and hilarious. She loves dancing, trying new foods, flipping through books, and snuggling with her pets.

Ryan and Nora are eternally grateful to JFLA for making their dreams of becoming parents a reality. They wish to thank all those donors who enabled them and countless families like them to experience the life-changing magic of parenthood.