BEACON, N.Y. /New York Netwire/ — Sher Fertility Institute announced today that Victoria Lyons and Walter Henkel would be receiving free In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatments as the winners of a contest that the company offered this month. The donation is part of Sher Fertility Institute’s “Giving Back” initiative, intended to help some of the estimated one million couples in the U.S. that need advanced fertility treatment, but aren’t able to afford it. The donated treatment is valued at $10,000.
The contest was open to anyone who needed IVF treatment in order to conceive and required entrants to tell their story, detailing why they felt they should win the treatment. Almost 100 couples submitted entries, which were reviewed by a panel of clinical and administrative staff at Sher Fertility Institute. The panel selected 10 finalists, whose stories were then posted on the company’s Facebook Page and website, where visitors voted for their choice.
Sher Fertility Institute had originally planned to donate IVF treatment to just one couple, but decided to open the donation up to three couples instead.
“The stories that came in were absolutely heartbreaking,” said Dr. Nicole Browne of Sher Fertility Institute. “Every one of these couples was deserving of the donated treatment, so we couldn’t be happier for Victoria and Walter.”
The couple have been struggling to have a baby for more than 5 years and have undergone numerous unsuccessful treatments, including several rounds of In Vitro Fertilization, which typically costs $10,000-$15,000. They had tapped out all of their financial resources and were unable to proceed with any further treatment. “Two weeks ago we felt all hope was lost of ever meeting the child we have dreamed of for so long,” said Victoria. “Now, thanks to Sher Fertility Institute, along with family, friends and many people we have never even met, that dream is more alive than ever. This is truly a Christmas Miracle!”
Their story, along with those of the other finalists are posted on the Sher Fertility Institute website at http://www.haveababy.com/news-menu/269 .
During the last three decades, Dr. Sher and Sher Fertility Institute have donated hundreds of free fertility treatments to patients and couples from all over the country.
About Sher Fertility Institute:
Sher Fertility Institute is a national network of fertility clinics specializing in cutting-edge technology, personalized treatment and compassionate care. SIRM Founder Dr. Geoffrey Sher established the first private In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) program in the United States. Dr. Sher and his colleagues have been influential in the development of dozens of important breakthroughs in the field of reproductive care.
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