About Fertile Hope Mission MissionFertile Hope is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing reproductive information, support and hope to cancer patients whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility. We are the only organization of our kind—solely dedicated to addressing cancer-related infertility and parenthood after cancer through programs that raise awareness, advance education, increase access to treatments and provide support. We deliver these programs free of charge to thousands of patients, survivors and healthcare professionals across the country. Since inception in 2001, Fertile Hope has made a permanent mark on both the cancer and fertility worlds by highlighting the importance of this issue and delivering efficient, sustainable services to those in need. We are truly changing lives and making dreams come true! Founder’s StoryThe organization was founded in 2001 by cancer survivor Lindsay Nohr Beck as a result of her own endeavors to preserve her fertility in the face of critical cancer treatments. Here is a message from Lindsay: I was extremely lucky. First and foremost, I was told my risks before starting treatment. And second, despite the fact that information was almost impossible to find, the treatments were intense and insurance didn’t pay for them, I was able to preserve what was sacred to me -- my fertility.
As astounding as it sounds, most people, including cancer patients and survivors, do not know that chemotherapy, radiation and surgery all have the potential to cause permanent infertility, let alone that there are several parenthood options before, during and after cancer treatments.
After treatment, however, I realized just how lucky I was to know my risks and have the chance to preserve my fertility.
Up to 90% of patients diagnosed with cancer during their reproductive years are at risk for permanent infertility from their treatments, but less than 10% of oncologists inform them about their risks, let alone their options.
My experience with cancer and fertility left me wondering how many people slip through the cracks; how many people discover the repercussions of their treatment after the fact; and why no one was doing anything about what seemed to be a gaping void in the care of cancer patients. It was inconceivable to me that so many patients were being left unaware, uneducated and unknowingly infertile.
It was as if I had a secret – a secret I could not bear to keep, so I founded Fertile Hope as a national nonprofit organization that provides reproductive information, support and hope to cancer patients whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility. Through programs of awareness, education, financial assistance, research and support, Fertile Hope is dedicated to addressing the reproductive needs of cancer patients.
Now, you know the secret too.
You know that cancer treatments can cause infertility and premature menopause. You know that there are more fertility preservation options than every before. You know that there are parenthood options after cancer.
With this knowledge, I encourage you to "let the secret out of the box" by Hosting An Event! Please help ensure that all age appropriate patients understand their risks and are able to make educated, timely decisions about their future fertility.
There are many big issues in cancer that will take years and years to solve; however, in comparison, cancer-related fertility is easy. There are risks and there are solutions. We just need to work together to bridge the gap – and solve the problem!
The impact will be profound. At a high level, we will have forever changed the practices of the cancer community. At an individual level, you will have given someone like me another reason to survive!
For more information about Lindsay, please read her Founder's Note. Patient NeedCancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation and surgery all have the potential to cause permanent infertility. Thankfully, there are more fertility preservation and parenthood after cancer options available for men and women than ever before. However, while up to 90% of patients are at risk from their treatments, less than 10% of oncologists admit to informing all eligible patients about their risks, let alone their options. While Fertile Hope continues to make great strides towards improving these statistics, the market needs remain the same:
In 2008, there will be more than 140,000 new cancer patients diagnosed in their reproductive years that need access to the information and tools we provide. As you can see, the need is profound – but solvable! Solving the Problem: Our Programs & ServicesThe permanent changes in reproductive function are now recognized as one of the most prevalent side effects of cancer therapy. Over the past three decades cancer fighting treatments including chemotherapy, radiation and surgery have led to major advances in the cure rates of various malignancies occurring during the reproductive years, but all have the potential to cause permanent infertility. While several successful fertility preservation options are available, they are underutilized due to a general lack of awareness, education and financial resources. Thus, a large and growing number of patients need help today. Fertile Hope is dedicated to helping these patients through programs and services in the following five areas:
Through these programs and services, Fertile Hope has a track record of successfully filling the void between cancer and fertility, so that survivors have no limits on life after cancer. How We Use Your DonationsFertile Hope’s programs and services are unparalleled. We are the only organization of our kind and are making a real difference in the lives of cancer survivors around the country. Fertile Hope is extremely careful with spending the money you entrust in our care. As part of this responsibility, we keep our administrative costs below 15%. In 2007, more than eighty-five cents of every dollar donated went directly to mission critical programs and as a result, we are proud of the following accomplishments:
As a direct result of your support, Fertile Hope is empowering cancer patients and survivors with the knowledge and resources they need to become parents. Our programs are truly changing people’s lives. Events Hosted by Fertile HopeAnnually, Fertile Hope hosts three large-scale Hope Uncorked events in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City. Our events include paired wine and food tasting stations, a grand silent auction, live music and inspirational speaking programs at exclusive venues. For more information, please see our Calendar of Events or Contact Us. Learn MoreWe encourage you to learn more about Fertile Hope by calling (888) 994-HOPE or visiting www.fertilehope.org. |
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