Emily & Craig

Emily & Craig's Story:

In 2014, I married the love of my life, and the future we had dreamed of was filled with so much promise. We talked about the life we’d build together — the home, the vacations, the adventures, and most of all, the family we wanted to grow. But as the years passed, something I thought would come naturally didn't happen.

We started trying to conceive in 2017, full of optimism and hope. But months turned into years, and the joy of the journey was overshadowed by a series of disappointments.

We tried two IUI procedures, both of which ended in heartbreak. The joy we had once felt seemed so distant as we found ourselves swallowed by a sea of uncertainty. Each negative test felt like another punch to the gut, and I was left questioning why it was so easy for others and so difficult for us. The loneliness was deafening. The sense of isolation that came from not talking about our struggles with anyone who didn’t truly understand became overwhelming.

For years, I held onto hope, but it took a toll on my spirit. My dreams of becoming a mother seemed so far out of reach, yet I still carried them — quietly, desperately — deep inside me.

Then, in the midst of my despair, I stumbled upon something that gave me a flicker of hope again: CNY Fertility. At first, it seemed too good to be true. It was affordable, which was something we hadn't even dared to dream of in the past. Every other option had felt out of reach financially, but here, there was a possibility.

With hesitant optimism, we decided to give IVF a chance. I didn’t dare to think it would actually work, but something inside me was finally ready to believe again. IVF was an emotional and physical rollercoaster. The days leading up to the egg retrieval were filled with so many mixed emotions: excitement, fear, hope, anxiety, and crazy motion sickness. We couldn’t help but wonder, would this be the one?

In July 2023, everything changed. The egg retrieval and the fresh transfer were a success — something we had longed for, but never truly thought we’d experience. We held our breath as we waited for confirmation. And when the news came — it was positive. Against all odds, we were going to be parents.

Throughout the pregnancy, I often found myself in awe. Every ultrasound, every doctor’s appointment, every kick and movement inside me was a reminder of the journey we had been on — the struggles, the pain, the uncertainty — all leading to this moment. It was the most surreal feeling, knowing we were finally going to meet the child we had dreamed of for so long.

Then, on March 30, 2024, our beautiful little girl, Stevie Laine, entered the world. The moment I held her in my arms, I realized that every tear, every failed attempt, every moment of despair had been worth it for this little miracle. Her wide eyes, her tiny hands, the way she nuzzled into my chest — it all made sense in that instant.

Becoming a mother was everything I had hoped for and more. Stevie Laine was the answer to the prayers I had whispered to myself for years. She was the light at the end of the tunnel, the proof that even in the darkest moments, there was hope.

Our story had been a long, painful, and uncertain one, but in the end, it was worth every hardship. Stevie Laine wasn’t just our daughter — she was a symbol of resilience, love, and the power of never giving up on your dreams.

Photos by Lovefusion Photography

Favorite Team Member at CNY:

Dr. Luthringer

There was a wonderful nurse during the transfer who I believe was named Nicole at CNY Fertility in Syracuse, we absolutely LOVED her and I really wish I was better with names. She truly was an angel!!!

The Moment:

The moment I found out I was pregnant was a rush of emotions I’ll never forget. It was a feeling of disbelief, relief, and overwhelming joy, all colliding at once. It was the beginning of a new chapter, a chapter that would bring with it a beautiful little girl, but in that moment, it was simply us — our hearts full of hope, our arms ready to welcome the child we had always longed for.

Hope, Inspiration and Advice:

To anyone struggling with infertility, I want you to know that you are not alone. The road you are walking is undeniably difficult, and the pain of not being able to conceive when you so deeply desire to can feel like an endless, lonely journey. But in the midst of it all, I want to offer you hope.

Join those Facebook Groups, talk to your significant other, lean on those around you even when they don't know how to help.