Walk Stories

With so many different ways to resolve fertility and family building struggles, we think it is important to have open conversations about all of them.

That's why each issue of the RNE Magazine features a different family's story, bringing awareness and real-life perspective to the many different paths a fertility and family building journey can take.

One of our favorite days of the year is the annual Footsteps for Family Building Walk where we come together as a community to celebrate those who have reached their destination and walk alongside those who are still on their journey.

So who better to share their own stories than this year's Walk Co-Chairs, Heather and Brooke?

We've got a wonderful day planned for Footsteps for Family Building 2022 on September 25th for both in-person and virtual walkers.

We're so grateful for Heather's and Brooke's leadership and passion for helping those struggling with family building, and we're so excited to walk with everyone in September!

Heather's Story

There’s a little dew in the grass and a little squeak to your shoes when you first arrive at the Footsteps for Family Building Walk.

The friendliest faces greet you. These people that you haven’t met but who know and understand you. Your eyes meet and you know they have been there too. They see you.

You get your t-shirt and proudly put it on because you finally feel like you have found your people!

My first RNE Walk was back in 2017.

I had recently started working for a lovely acupuncturist who invited me to attend. I grabbed my little miracle and walked through that dewy grass where I was met with genuine warmth.

Excited to walk in 2017!

My own personal journey with infertility lasted four years.

At that time, I thought I was the only one. I felt incredibly alone.

As a fertility and family building professional, I definitely learned that I wasn’t alone in my struggle. Learning about Resolve New England made me see how clearly I could have benefited from access to the education, advocacy, and support that RNE provides for our community.

Attending my first RNE Conference later that year, I was amazed at what a rare opportunity it provided for patients to learn from doctors and other professionals. These were caring and compassionate providers who wanted to educate people and empower them in their journey.

It was at this same conference a few years later that I finally met the physician who would change my life.

For years, I had experienced debilitating pelvic pain. This pain was partially what led me to become an acupuncturist. I had been led to believe that my pain was normal, and acupuncture was the first thing that ever gave me relief.

When I developed an endometrioma, I had the physician’s card in my wallet.

Thanks to RNE, I met the doctor who would finally diagnose me with endometriosis and help me do something about it!

Last year, the proceeds from the RNE walk provided free access to the annual conference.

The same conference where I finally met a doctor who would listen.

A conference where I saw others have similar “aha” moments about their care and their options.

Another opportunity to gather and lift one another up.

The Walk gives us one of those moments. It offers us another chance to gather together and support RNE, as they so clearly support us all.

I walk because I never want anyone to walk alone.

I want everyone to feel educated and empowered.

I want everyone to have access to treatment.

I walk because RNE's work makes a difference in the lives of so many in our community!

Excited to walk in 2017!

Brigham and Women's Hospital Center for Fertility and Reproductive Surgery advertisement

Brooke's Story

Maine State House

When we started our family building journey, we had no idea of the obstacles we would face.

After four years of trying to conceive, my husband and I were diagnosed with unexplained infertility and pursued treatment—Clomid, IUIs, then IVF.

Though we were lucky enough to be successful on our first transfer, I was unprepared for the heartbreak and grief that would come with our undertaking to complete our family with a second child.

After two years of failed attempts, we decided to pursue another new round of IVF and were again successful on our first transfer.

Because I understand the road that some families take, it is truly an honor to be the Co-Chair of the RNE Footsteps for Family Building walk this year. I’ve been a participant at this walk for years (in person and virtually), and am truly grateful for the opportunity to help plan and organize it.

Maine State House

As a Mainer who had little support during my own IVF journey, RNE holds a special place in my heart for all the work that they do. I am proud to support RNE, whose peer support groups, annual conference, and ongoing advocacy work help thousands of people across six states - and beyond.

Since 2016, advocacy has become an important part of my efforts. I’ve lobbied employers and legislators for fertility coverage and have enjoyed RNE’s full support throughout those processes.

The work that RNE does throughout New England to achieve fertility coverage laws is tireless, honorable, and comes from the heart.

Because of RNE, Mainers will be more equitable for families across the state.

I am the first person to offer up that my children were conceived via IVF.

Even though I consider our family “resolved” in the regard that we are no longer actively trying to expand it, the trauma of infertility is lasting, and only those who are going through it or who have gone through it truly understand.

It’s one of the worst clubs to belong to, but you’ll always find folks who can relate in their experience— your people.

Every year, at the Walk, I see old friends and meet new ones. The first year I attended, I walked up to registration, gave the woman my name and she exclaimed, “I’m Cassandra from our social media group!” and gave me an enormous hug. She was, “my people”, and we shared our stories more in detail.

Many more strangers became friends that day as we both reminisced and commiserated in our paths to parenthood, or would-be parenthood.

The more we talk about our struggles, the closer we become to one another, and the closer we are to removing the stigma that comes with infertility.

I can’t wait to talk with you—and walk with you—in September!