Generations of Hope: Back to School Petition Challenge

The back to school madness is in full swing around our household. So much so that I have an overflowing handful of ‘BTS’ (as those in the know are calling it on Twitter) posts ready to go up. It is really important to me to get this post up first before I begin.

I am helping to spread the word about Generations of Hope which is a non-profit organization devoted to helping couples struggling with infertility issues attain their dream of having a family. I wrote this short poem a while ago and pulled it out and updated it for this post.

As IAs I shop for back to school clothes and supplies, I am reminded that one day, just over six years ago, my husband and I received some devastating news when we found out that we were in the middle of a miscarriage.

As I begin to set up our school routines, I am reminded of a sobering visit to a professional who told us that there was a very good chance that we would never have children based on some of my results.

As I research extra-curricular activities for my oldest, I am reminded of the loneliness that came when I lost a piece of myself. As loved ones tried to show us how much they loved us, it just kept pushing me further into isolation.

As I shop for crafts and other activities for our youngest who is still at home with me, I am reminded how heartbroken I felt for my husband who was hurting just as much as I was, but I couldn’t comfort him because I was done.

As I look at my husband laughing and running around the yard with our two girls, I am reminded that I have all that I want in life and my heart is full.

~ Sheri Landry

For many people, back to school can represent loneliness, heartbreak, loss and helplessness. Many people right now are only experiencing part of my poem, but with your help they can understand the poem in its entirety.

Generations of Hope  has created the 1 in 6 petition to send a clear message to the government to show them that Albertans support public funding for infertility treatments.

These treatments can come with an astronomical price tag adding a second blow to people who are trying to start their own family. By printing, signing and getting your friends to sign, you can mail it back to the address provided and show those who are trying to conceive that they are not alone in their struggles.

The petition needs to be hand signed and a hard copy needs to be returned to be officially counted.

So, what are you waiting for? 20,000 now have already signed the petition and the goal is 25,000.

You can print out the petition and get more information on the Generations of Hope website. You can also like Generations of Hope on Facebook or follow Generations of Hope on Twitter. They will also have a family fun day event coming up in September for those in or near Calgary.

The Generations of Hope Fertility Assistance Fund is hosting their Family Fun Day at Canada Olympic Park on September 14, 2013 from 11a.m.- 3 p.m. rain or shine.

Admission is free and organizers hope that Calgary and area families will come out to the event to celebrate and support the Fund. The event will feature fun indoor and outdoor events for the entire family with face painters, carnival games, stage shows and a petting zoo. Family Fun Day is an awareness raising initiative in support of the Generations of Hope Fertility Assistance Fund.

Check their site and social networks for more information as they have it.

Disclosure: Compensation in the form of payment was received for this post. All opinions are that of the author and are not influenced by any outside factors.

Sheri Landry

Sheri publishes, and writes at This Bird’s Day where she shares all of the thoughts in her head without the voices. Sticking mainly with content for Canadians, Sheri shares family stories, product information and anything that fits into her (and her family’s) daily activities.

www.thisbirdsday.com