Messages from Our Supporters

Lindsay Nohr Beck, Founder, Executive Director, Fertile Hope
Julie Brosterman, Founder of Women & Wine^®
Liz Lange, Founder and Director of Liz Lange Maternity
Kimberly Anderson Kelleher, Vice President and Publisher, SELF Magazine

Fertile Hope 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 visit the Fertile Hope website to read her Founder's Note.

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When Fertile Hope called my first response was "you can count on us"! Their passion and purpose - to help women's dreams of future motherhood come true for those who have cancer battles to face today - is not only something that is desperately needed but also gives great hope for tomorrow.

Share their successes and stories with your friends and family through the Hope Uncorked Wine Tasting Kit. Help change someone's life while you share a glass and learn about wine in your home.

The team at Fertile Hope took a great idea and made it a reality when they created this exciting concept and Women & Wine^® is so proud to be a part of it.

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Leave it to Fertile Hope to find even more attractive ways for its supporters to get involved. I am continually impressed!

Fertile Hope truly understands the needs of young adult cancer patients and is now offering a way to bring their peers a fun way to show their support.

I am hosting my own Hope Uncorked party with my closest friends later this year.

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SELF Magazine's continuing partnership with Fertile Hope makes me very proud not only as SELF Magazine's Publisher, but also as a woman and a mother. As creator of the Pink Ribbon for breast cancer awareness, SELF has a long-standing commitment to philanthropic initiatives. Throughout SELF's 29-year history, countless outreach campaigns have raised millions of dollars for many worthy organizations that benefit women.

Philanthropy has always been an important part of my own life. In my personal life, I simply want to do the best job in the role of mom that I can. My son Brendan has changed the way I look at almost everything and in many ways has actually made me appreciate my career even more. Until you are forced to evaluate the time you spend away from your child you don't realize the impact things have on your life. He has given me a deep appreciation for the gift of parenthood. He has taught my husband Dan and me many things, including how to develop our sense of humor about how to juggle it all! I gave up certain things when he was born, but altruism and my career were not on the list.

A recent SELF initiative that fulfills both my corporate and cause-focused identities is a really interesting piece of market research called "GOOD," that examines how consumers feel and respond to corporate cause marketing efforts. The powerful results prove that consumers value brands that impact positive change in the world. Truly, good news all around!

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