Embracing the Dream of Parenthood
Marissa Rubino, 35, and her husband David embarked on their journey to parenthood soon after their wedding in 2016. With dreams of a growing family, they eagerly anticipated the arrival of their first child. However, after a year of trying without success, their hope turned into worry. Each month brought a rollercoaster of emotions—hope, followed by disappointment and increasing stress as they faced the possibility that something might be wrong.
Seeking Answers and Facing Challenges
After moving from France and back to the U.S. to settle down, Marissa and David sought answers through fertility testing. They were met with a series of challenges. Marissa was diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and thyroid issues; David with male factor infertility.
Three years into their journey, after more tests, medications, delays, and frustrations, Marissa and David made the pivotal decision to switch to Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago in the spring of 2020, in the hopes of making a fresh start. They traveled from Wisconsin to work with Dr. Michelle Catenacci, feeling a strong sense of trust in the clinical team’s expertise and compassionate care. “I’ve been asked by several people why I drive to a different state when there are clinics closer to home,” Marissa recounted.
“The answer is that I trust AFCC and feel comfortable with their expertise and the treatment I’ve received. I appreciate the ease of communication with the medical team and the compassion I’ve felt from the staff while going through stressful and difficult situations.”
In July 2020, Marissa embarked on her first round of in vitro fertilization (IVF). This cycle resulted in two frozen embryos and a fresh embryo transfer that ended in a chemical pregnancy. They then proceeded with a second egg retrieval, yielding two more frozen embryos and a fresh transfer that tragically resulted in the stillbirth of their son. It was an extremely challenging period for Marissa and David.
“Losing much wanted, much awaited IVF pregnancies was traumatic and devastating. It’s hard not to struggle with the unfairness of losing a baby that took so much effort – blood, sweat, tears, countless prayers, years of waiting…and not to mention thousands of dollars to achieve,” Marissa said. “My late loss in particular was the low point, not just of my path to parenthood, but of my entire life. I lost my son due to [an] incompetent cervix, and I had so much fear about that diagnosis meaning that we would never be parents. I am fortunate that my hopelessness did not last long.”
Finding Light After the Storm
Despite the heartbreak, Marissa and David remained resilient. They turned to their frozen embryos. Marissa underwent two frozen embryo transfers (FETs) that brought her and David the ultimate joy: the birth of their two beautiful daughters, Magnolia, who was born in late 2021 (now 2.5 years old), and Rosalie, who was born in late 2023 (now 10 months old). Magnolia and Rosalie were like rainbows after a storm, illuminating Marissa and David’s lives and making their five-year fertility journey worthwhile.
“They were 100% worth the 5 years of difficult struggles that preceded their arrivals. They are the light of our lives.”
Celebrating the Rewards of Parenthood
For Marissa, the ultimate reward of her fertility journey was becoming a mother to Magnolia and Rosalie.
“I get to live the life I’ve always wanted to live thanks to AFCC,” she shared. “I have the privilege now of staying home with my girls and devoting my life to them. There is nothing else in this world that I would rather be doing.”
She cherishes the unique perspective she has gained and the deep gratitude she has for her children, shaped by the many challenges her family overcame. “Looking back, I’m proud of how much we overcame to achieve our goal. We picked ourselves up from rock bottom and had the courage to keep trying.”
Marissa and David still have two frozen embryos in storage with AFCC that they are hoping to eventually transfer successfully in the future!
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Parents
Reflecting on her journey, Marissa wishes she had known more about the length and stress of the IVF process. “I wish I had tried to be calmer, trust the process, and enjoy life a little more during the long waiting period,” she recalls. Her key piece of advice to others considering fertility solutions is to ask questions and seek advice from experts rather than turning to the internet. “Please don’t be like me and search the internet instead of asking actual experts who know about your specific case.”
Conclusion
Marissa’s story is a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and unwavering determination throughout her fertility journey. Through every trial and triumph, she displayed remarkable strength, turning her dream of motherhood into a beautiful reality.
If Marissa’s journey resonates with you, and you are considering fertility treatments, take the first step toward your own path to parenthood. Schedule an appointment with AFCC today and let our team support you every step of the way!
