Hoping to Expand Their Family: The Schefflers
Six to 10 women in 100 have endometriosis; and as many as one in 15 have polycystic ovary syndrome. Thirty-three year-old Kendra Scheffler lives with both, which drastically reduces her body’s ability to become pregnant. Like many women struggling with infertility, she turned to expensive medical treatments several years ago.
A miracle occurred in February 2003. She and her husband, Randy, welcomed their daughter, Madalyn, into the world. Thrilled and grateful that the treatments finally worked, they remained optimistic that more children would eventually be added to their household.
Several more years went by without success. Finally, her doctor suggested they try in vitro fertilization (IVF); however, medical insurance does not cover this significantly expensive procedure. They took out a personal loan.
Several attempts over a few years gave way to emotional and physical exhaustion. Still, hope to add to their family beckoned because a few of their frozen embryos remained viable. Kendra and Randy committed to trying one more time. On Madalyn’s sixth birthday, Kendra learned she was pregnant once more. Joyous news that she was expecting of fraternal twins — a boy and girl — soon followed.
Their delight turned to utter grief in late June 2009 — complications arose and the twins - Ava and Patrick - were lost, passing away after one brief hour of life. Kendra and Randy began the long, dark journey of processing their heartbreak.
Today, they are hopeful once more. Kendra’s health is greatly improved and her doctor has cleared her for IVF treatments. Lack of health insurance coverage for the procedure, however, is their only roadblock.
Will you please help? The “Scheffler Family Benefit Fund” is established to help cover costs of Kendra’s procedure. Any amount — great or small — is appreciated.
For questions, please contact Candy Cline at 810.772.6671.
