Jillian and Ivan Haro’s Fertility Journey
What began as a powerful connection between Jillian and Ivan Haro blossomed into a story defined by resilience and unwavering commitment. After marrying in 2022, the couple set out on a journey to build their family—never imagining the emotional, physical, and financial challenges they would face along the way.
Despite the heartbreak of multiple fertility treatments and two devastating losses, their desire to become parents has only grown stronger. With the support of Tennessee Fertility Institute (TFI) and their own steadfast bond, they continue to move forward—driven by the memory of their angel babies and the hope of one day holding a child in their arms. This is their story.
A Love Story Meant to Be
Little did we know, seven years ago when our love story began, that we would one day be writing these words. From our very first meeting, an undeniable connection told us our lives were meant to be shared. Our love felt unique and destined, though we couldn't have foreseen the depths to which it would be tested—and ultimately strengthened—over the years.
Beginning the Journey to Parenthood
Marriage in 2022 marked the beginning of our eager journey to expand our family. A year of hoping and trying naturally yielded no results, leading us to consult our OB/GYN. Despite numerous tests, a dedicated holistic approach, and preliminary fertility medications, answers remained elusive. It was then that our doctor suggested the specialized care of Tennessee Fertility Institute.
Meeting Dr. Montville: A Turning Point
Meeting Dr. Chris Montville brought a wave of relief and hope. We felt we had finally found the right hands to guide us toward our dream of parenthood. We embraced our treatment plan with renewed optimism, beginning with intrauterine insemination (IUI). Though hopeful, two attempts brought only disappointment.
Stepping into the Unknown: IVF
The next step—in vitro fertilization (IVF)—felt like uncharted territory. It was a path we never imagined taking. Fear and uncertainty were present, but our deep desire for a family propelled us forward.
The arrival of the box of IVF medications marked a shift in our reality. As we arranged them in our fridge, the realization that natural conception might not be our story settled in. The weeks that followed were a blur of appointments, daily injections administered with love, and countless prayers for successful egg retrieval.
Even Ivan's initial fear of needles transformed into an act of devotion. Yet, amid our strength, the question “Why us?” echoed in our hearts.
Devastation and Resilience: First IVF Cycle
Our first egg retrieval day brought mixed emotions—but the results were a crushing blow: none of our embryos were viable.
Heartbreak and exhaustion followed, but we found solace in each other and leaned on our support system. We knew we couldn’t give up.
A Second IVF Cycle—and a Glimmer of Hope
The decision to try again came from a love that refused to be extinguished. We carried the lessons of our first round with us, but the second cycle was even more emotionally demanding.
As we watched others celebrate pregnancies and milestones, the “Why us?” moments returned, stronger than ever.
Following the second egg retrieval and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), we were given our first true glimmer of hope: three viable, high-quality embryos and one mosaic embryo.
Our First Transfer and First Loss: Remembering Angel
A month later, we proceeded with our first embryo transfer. The day was filled with nervous excitement. When the embryologist arrived with a picture of our chosen embryo, it felt like we were seeing our child for the first time.
The transfer was successful. Two weeks later, we heard the words: “You’re pregnant.”
Tears of joy followed—but a week later, our second HCG test delivered devastating news. Our first pregnancy had ended at four weeks.
We later learned we had been expecting a baby boy, whom we lovingly named Angel. Though his time with us was short, his impact was profound. We grieved, but after a week of sorrow, we chose to try again.
A Second Loss: Remembering Joy
We moved forward with another transfer, this time with quiet confidence. Two weeks later, we were again pregnant.
We made it to our first heartbeat ultrasound, but the baby’s slower heart rate and smaller size filled us with concern. A week later, our fears were confirmed—our baby had stopped growing.
We learned she was a baby girl, and we named her Joy.
The pain of this second loss, coming further along in the pregnancy, was even deeper. Our hearts were shattered.
An Exciting Surprise
In the months that followed, we experienced immense heartbreak, soul-searching, and exhaustion. But this pain was also a testament to Angel and Joy, whose lives we will always honor.
We long to give them siblings here on Earth. After everything, our hearts still yearn for the experience of parenthood.
After multiple treatments, our insurance support had reached its lifetime limit, and the financial burden had become a formidable obstacle. However, we were in for an incredible surprise.
In March 2025, we applied for a fertility grant through Starfish Infertility Foundation, a local nonprofit that is dedicated to providing “hope, support, and financial assistance to individuals and couples navigating the challenges of infertility.”
While attending an event co-hosted by Starfish in April 2025, the founder, Kara Edwards, surprised us with the news that we had been granted $10,000 to put towards our next IVF cycle at Tennessee Fertility Institute!
Receiving the Starfish grant was nothing short of a miracle for us. We’ve often described that moment as “the day the sun came out” after what felt like an endless season of rain and uncertainty.
We didn’t waste a minute. As soon as we received the incredible news, we reached out to our team at TFI to begin preparing for our next cycle. One of the most joyful parts of that day was sending a message to our amazing nurse, Kelly, to share the news that we were ready for another egg retrieval. Her encouragement and care have meant the world to us throughout this journey.
Now, as we gear up for Round 3 in May 2025, we’re riding a wave of emotions—hope, nervousness, excitement—but above all, gratitude. We feel incredibly fortunate to have another opportunity to move forward, one step closer to the dream of holding our babies in our arms someday.
Sharing the Journey
We’ve decided to share our journey more openly on social media—not just to keep our loved ones in the loop, but to help others out there who may be walking a similar path. Infertility can be so isolating, and if our story can make even one person feel a little less alone, then opening our hearts will have been more than worth it.
To our family, friends, and the community lifting us up—you are our village. Your love and support have carried us through the darkest days, and now, as we step into this new chapter, you mean more to us than ever before.
Here’s to hope, resilience, and the road ahead!