Palatine couple wins a shot to start a family through clinic
A Palatine couple has gotten one heck of a Christmas present -- a shot at starting a family.
Leronica and Brendan Scallon have been trying to conceive for a few years, but without success.
Surfing online for doctors one night, Leronica came across a contest through a local fertility center to win free in-vitro fertilization treatments.
Out of more than 200 applicants, the couple won the treatment, valued at $10,000, from Fertility Centers of Illinois.
"For us to actually have a chance to go through fertility treatment and not have to worry about the cost is just exceptional," Leronica said.
Her husband of six years is in the Army, currently stationed in Iraq on his third tour of duty. The military insurance the two are on does not cover fertility treatment.
Infertility affects one in eight couples in the United States and the emotional despair is often heightened by the frustration of not being able to afford treatments, according to studies.
Brendan Scallon, a lifelong Palatine resident, is 33. He left last month for his deployment and is expected back in March 2009. His wife, 36, will start treatment soon.
"It is not something to hide in the closet about -- this is a gift," she said.
Chris Sipe, a doctor with the practice, says that the couple will have a 50 percent chance to conceive with this one try.
"Without this, their chances of conception were low," he said. "It is a great couple to be able to offer this opportunity to."
Fertility Centers of Illinois has several Chicago area locations and has been around for more than 25 years.
Finding fertility
A Couple's Guide to New Year Fertility Resolutions includes these thoughts:
• Explore all your options: Since infertility has multiple causes, treatment options vary. It is important to understand the cause of your fertility troubles in order to effectively identify the best options for you and your partner.
• Maintain a healthy body weight: Being too much above or below your ideal weight can affect your ability to get pregnant. Experts consider a body mass index (BMI) between 18 and 29 ideal.
• Lead a healthy lifestyle: To ensure that you are giving your body the best possible chance to conceive, quit smoking, limit alcohol use, exercise regularly and eat a well balanced, nutritious diet.
• Manage stress: Infertility and treatment leads to stress which may impact your chances to conceive. Allow yourself time to relax and enjoy your partner and try breathing or relaxation techniques to calm your mind and body.
• Prepare yourself: Being well informed and developing realistic expectations can make a big difference in your level of comfort. Two national consumer groups that help people are Resolve, www.resolve.org, and the American Fertility Organization, www.theafa.org.
Source: Fertility Centers of Illinois