While 2020 has been a year of tremendous trials and unprecedented hardship, it has also shown us some of the best examples of humanity, community and resilience. AJFN has much to be thankful for as we close out this year.

COMING TOGETHER IN CRISIS

COVID changed life as we know it for everyone in the world. It added another degree of difficulty for couples undergoing fertility treatments. Clinics closed indefinitely, jobs were lost, businesses affected, forcing many to put their hopes of creating their miracle baby on hold. In addition, anxiety, uncertainty and feelings of despair and isolation were exacerbated.

AJFN was able to respond to the situation by pivoting towards online events with three webinars held covering Fertility in a Pandemic and Pathways to Parenthood. Applications for financial assistance and emotional support increased by 190%. We were able to address this need with increased financial aid and our Peer Support Program which matches couples with mentors who provide emotional support, psychologist referrals and Shabbat dinner deliveries.

AN EXTRAORDINARY EVENT

We re-imagined our annual fundraiser as an online event featuring an interview with Dr Edith Eger, and AJFN couple Janine and Shimon Davidowitz bravely shared their raw, emotional fertility story that resonated with the over 1,500 viewers who tuned into Stories for the Soul.

Following our event, we launched our Miracle Making Day appeal where we were blown away by your generosity, surpassing our initial goal in 30 minutes and then more than doubling that goal by the end of the day. Our generous Miracle Matchers ensured than donors could double their impact.

THANK YOU!

The AJFN is truly grateful to everyone who has supported us this year with donations, sponsorship, volunteering their time and expertise, being part of the conversation and working to break the stigma around infertility in our community and beyond.

 

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