Wednesday, June 15, 2011

My Story and FREE giveaway | Eau Claire Photographer


Hi Everyone! Yesterday I announced on my Forever Photography facebook page that my husband and I are expecting our first baby early this December! We are beyond thrilled and it is truly our miracle child.

I have been mentioning that today I am going to announce a FREE session giveaway, but before I announce what it entails I want to give some background and why this giveaway has a lot of personal meaning.

My husband’s and my journey to start a family was by no means easy. We’ve spent the last several years battling infertility. Those years included endless testing, some of it very painful, many rounds of heartbreaking treatment, and lots of tears before having our first successful pregnancy.

Infertility affects roughly 1 in 4 couples, but most who deal with it suffer in silence, including myself. I learned from one of the nurses at our clinic in Minneapolis that studies show couples dealing with infertility experience just as much stress as those battling cancer or HIV. I definitely can attest to that statement, as can many couples.   

Not only are you met with a great sense of loss every month you find out you’re not pregnant and have to start the process all over again or face more tests, the financial burden of these treatments is unbelievably expensive. My husband and I have had to make many great sacrifices in order to have a chance of a family. Unfortunately, Wisconsin is not a mandated state, so a majority of insurance companies do not cover treatments.

I know what we’ve spent could easily buy some really nice items or be a down payment for a very nice home, but nothing is more priceless than seeing your baby grow up. However, the reality is, this expense leaves a scar and financial sacrifices usually have to continue in order to survive. My husband and I know this first hand and often times non-necessary items are the first to go for families, which include beautiful professional photos of the little person you worked so hard to have…

We are in that category, but luckily I have a camera and will be able to photograph our baby.  However, not many people have this skill, so knowing what I know now and have grown so much as a person these last few years, I want to be able to pass on my gift to another family or families who has traveled this path of infertility.

What I’m donating will be a FREE family session,
1)   11x14 print, (2) 5x7s, (16) Wallets
2)   40% discount on any additional items ordered.

Here’s what I need in order to be considered for this opportunity:
1.     Your contact information.
2.     Tell me about yourself.
3.     Tell me about the journey to starting your family and how you had success.
4.     Explain what this session would mean to you?
5.     Feel free to include anything else you think would be important for me to know.

All inquires must be emailed to: info@foreverphotographyonline.com

I will make a decision by the end of this month and contact you to set up your session. I also have not decided if I am going to choose one or more families for this giveaway. All depends on the response.  If you know anyone who has dealt with infertility please pass this information on to them.

Also for the couples still fighting this battle, know that you are not alone and my prayers are with you!

2 comments:

Chad G. said...

This is awesome -- whoever you select will be very deserving and very lucky to be photographed by the best :o)

Karen G said...

Oh my goodness!!!! AT Blake and Jess's wedding-my mom and I were like oh she has the pregnancy glow but I didnt want to ask! I'm soo excited for you! Pregnancy came easy for my husband and I and dont get me wrong we are very excited for ourselves but we get MORE Excited for people that have had a hard time getting pregnant! A lot of women take it for granted and forget that its not always easy for other couples to have babies! I'm soooo excited for you! I cant wait to see you in August for our maternity shoot! Its definatly a BABY BOOM this fall and winter!!!! CONGRATS!!!!!! And good luck choosing a lucky winner!