Financial Assistance for Infertility
Infertility can be emotionally devastating. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has helped many couples conceive, but the process is lengthy, intense and expensive – upwards of $10,000 out-of-pocket. Even more distressful, IVF isn’t always successful the first time around.
The Partnership for Families Program provides complete funding for a second cycle of IVF to couples who have paid for one IVF cycle, did not get pregnant and cannot afford another try. The program was founded in early 2004 by Nancy Lerner Fisher, Dr. James Goldfarb and 23 couples whose lives have been affected by infertility. As of the end of 2009, over 140 couples had second IVF cycles completely funded by the Partnership for Families Program. About one half of these couples have either delivered babies or were pregnant as of the end of 2009.
In the Spring of 2006, the program was expanded to include women who have cancer and need to have embryos or eggs frozen before they start chemotherapy that may make them unable to produce eggs in the future. As of the end of 2009 35 women who were to undergo chemotherapy had these fertility sparing procedures funded by Partnership for Families Program.
The Partnership for Families Program is intensely satisfying for both recipients and donors as illustrated by the following:
Comments by a 26-year-old school teacher from Pittsburgh after she was told that the Partnership for Families Program would pay for her having eggs frozen before her chemotherapy:
"My father has Lou Gehrig's disease and I have been taking him for treatments every two weeks for the last year. Now I have been diagnosed with lymphoma and I have to have chemotherapy. I have been praying for five minutes of happiness and you just gave it to me."
In a thank-you note to a $32,000 donor, the above quote was included to show the couple how appreciative recipients are. The donor's response was:
"Hi. Yes, it is 2:05 a.m. and I cannot sleep. I just read the letter you sent to us thanking us for our donation. Your letter is so moving that I can't get to sleep thinking about it. I hope that we can keep making an impact on someone's life. Thank you for expressing those feelings to us."
More About Us
Learn more about the Partnership for Families Program and financial assistance for infertility in our brochure. (PDF)
Since its inception the Partnership For Families Program has had varied events each year:
- May 2005 A Formal Gala with Paula Zahn as the guest speaker and attended by over 400 people. This event raised over $300,000 for the Partnership for Families Program.
- August 2006 The first 'Family Day' was held at the Eastlake Captains baseball game (our city's minor league baseball team). This event brought donors, recipients, and their children together. It was heartwarming to see the bond between people from such different backgrounds. Over 300 people attended this event.
- May 2007 An event was planned by a successful Partnership recipient couple and their family. Many other recipient couples also contributed time and ideas to the event. It was very gratifying to have recipient couples show such appreciation and become an integral part of the program.
- April 2009 The first annual Stroller Push. This event again brought donors and recipients together for a unique and fun even. Over 200 people attended this event chaired by board members Lori and Bob Ross.
The Partnership for Families newsletter includes stories on recipient couples, Partnership for Families activities and educational material about infertility.
Support the Program
You can give a couple a second chance to have a family.
The Partnership for Families Program depends on philanthropic support. Please consider a donation today.
By Mail
Please make check payable to Partnership for Families Fund. Send donations to:
The Cleveland Clinic Fertility Center at Beachwood
26900 Cedar Road, Suite 220 South
Beachwood, OH 44122
By Phone
You may call 216.444.1245 to make a credit card donation by phone.
Online
Go to iSupport , The Cleveland Clinic’s online giving Web site, and simply write-in your gift designation as “Partnership for Families Fund.” Help provide financial assistance for infertility to a family who cannot afford a second try.
Visit Giving to The Cleveland Clinic to learn about the many creative ways you can support Partnership for Families, such as annuities, trusts and gifts of assets.
The Cleveland Clinic is a not-for-profit organization, and your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Contact Us
Partnership for Families Program
Cleveland Clinic Fertility Center at Beachwood
26900 Cedar Road, Suite 220 South
Beachwood, Ohio 44122
216.839.2929
RiversL@ccf.org
