Every once in a while, you get to do something for someone else.

When that day comes, you kick yourself and ask why you didn't think of it before. You also try to find ways to do more. And above all, you want it to work so very much.

I've said it before and I'll say it many times more, I'm sure - IVF is expensive. It drains you emotionally and physically. Even more than that, IVF hits you hard financially.

Out of my 5 IVF cycles, we paid for 3 of them. The other two cycles I did egg share, so those cycles were free. My last cycle was the last time I was allowed to donate eggs, and if it didn't work it would likely have been the end of the line for our attempts at having children - the cost of IVF is high.

An IVF cycle in the UK will run you about £4000. In the U.S., where most insurance companies don't cover fertility treatment, that cost can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. This is money that many families must struggle to come up with, and for many it's a one time shot. One chance to try to make a dream come true...it seems so unfair.

So a few of us figured out a way to help.

We've created the U.T.E.R.U.S. Brigade, which we tongue-in-cheek named to say Union To Expedite Relief Until Self-Fulfillment. We're collecting items which we will put on ebay, and 100% of the proceeds of the sales from all auctions will go to a woman trying to further her family. This round we've chosen Calliope, a woman who has sacrificed so much and has a shot at her dreams of a FET (frozen embryo transfer), she's just lacking the funds.

Well now. We can't let that stop her now, can we?

The U.T.E.R.U.S. Brigade will run quarterly auctions and all proceeds will go to help someone trying to have a family, be it via IUI, IVF, or adoption (which is also horrifically expensive and exhausting for a family).

This is what the banner of a U.T.E.R.U.S. Brigade might look like:

Take Back the U.T.E.R.U.S.

And we're asking you for help. Do you have something sitting around, gathering dust, that may help someone's dreams? If so, all you have to do is this:

* We are going to hold a series of mass auctions via eBay. The first will take place this upcoming Thursday. Our eBay ID is uterusbrigade.

* This allows us to utilize an online auction site that is already in place with little taken off the front/back end for costs.

* It also opens up the bidding to the larger world rather than having the weight of the fundraising coming internally from our community with sales.

* This is what needs to happen on your end:

1. Decide what you could donate to the sale.
2. Take a photograph.
3. Fill out this form by cutting-and-pasting it into an email.
4. Email it to Jen at jenniferelaine11@yahoo.com and Mel at thetowncriers@gmail.com simultaneously (as in, put both our names in the address line). Just a heads up, we are keeping a spreadsheet the three of us will see so any of us can email you during the process to ask you a question or give you an update.

* I am going to list your item and sell it for you. We will have all of the sales under one account to make it easier to transfer the end sum in one transaction.

* All money earned will go to the designated person (in this case, Calliope), though you will get the shipping fees you requested to ship the item (although you can donate the shipping cost if you want). The cost to you is simply the donated item and the time spent popping to the post office to post your donated item.

* We will talk the hell out of this to get word out (grab the code for the icon over here). If you can help pimp the cause, then hopefully we can start something that will help many over the years.

* There will be list of all the auctions in one space so people can easily access them.

* We will give you constant updates so you know how much we've raised. The goal is to have this completely finished within a month or so.

* The goal for this particular convening of U.T.E.R.U.S. is $3000.

On eBay, you can literally sell anything, including personal art work, services, and a tangerine peel. I know so many of you are so creative, anything you can donate would be appreciated. So, dip into your world and let me know what you could place on eBay in order to benefit Calliope.

It's easy.

Or, alternately, you can view the list of goodies we have for sale and bid on something.

Even easier.

As for me, I'm running the ebay side of things. But since we don't have loads of excess cash, courtesy of nursery fees and extension work, I am donating something that I hope gets some money.

Remember this post?

That necklace was the first of many pieces of that style that I bought. I am mad about it and think it's fantastic. Over the years I have given away every single piece of that style of jewelry that I had bought to women I respect and admire...except for that necklace.

And now I'm selling it to help raise money for someone else.

You can bid on the necklace here. Please consider bidding or donating. It's for someone else and this will be a process that, if it works, will help many women grow the families the desire so much in whatever way we can help.

And I thank you, from the bottom of my mushy heart.

-H.

PS-many thanks for all your birthday wishes yesterday, they made me feel spectacular. I don't deserve you guys, you're fabulous.

UPDATED - Lily had an excellent question - if you want to skip the hooha of donating or bidding but do want to help, you can donate directly to Calliope's IVF fund here.

Posted by: Everydaystranger at 09:12 AM | Comments (12) | Add Comment
Post contains 1045 words, total size 7 kb.

1 This is really such a spectacular idea. While we are running crazy trying to get ready for a company trip and I cannot imagine having the time to send something this time, I will be sure to look at the items and find something to bid on!

Posted by: Melissa at April 02, 2008 10:14 AM (+Wg/4)

2 Great idea- I'm trying to find out how to take part in this from here. But I'll find a way :-) B/c I am such a html-idiot: Will there be a "donate"-button to be put on web sites? Lily

Posted by: Lily at April 02, 2008 10:17 AM (Y8m4l)

3 I have one of those necklaces, and treasure it beyond words. I can't imagine what sacrifice it is taking for you to let the one you wore to the awards go.... but it is such a good cause, and such a wonderful idea. You are an inspiration. Always.

Posted by: Elizabeth at April 02, 2008 11:56 AM (DyeGv)

4 late birthday greetings - what a wonderful idea!

Posted by: Suze at April 02, 2008 12:38 PM (0doyF)

5 Ok, I will start rummaging-lord knows I got something I can part with. Hmmmmm.... This is a great idea. My brother and his wife have been trying for 2 years now to get pregnant, and they will soon be starting fertility treatments. Although insurance covers 50% of some of the cost, I know what a huge expense this is going to be-and I am not even talking emotionally. Really, this is so fantastic. You guys rock.

Posted by: Teresa at April 02, 2008 01:13 PM (c5gv/)

6 Wonderful idea. I love the generosity of spirit and I will make no secret that I *love* that necklace! I will be placing a bid and thinking about what I can do to help. Glad you had a wonderful birthday. I hope the construction got off to a good orderly start, too.

Posted by: Lisa at April 02, 2008 01:35 PM (EcHBm)

7 Your necklace is so pretty! I may have to bid on it.

Posted by: Jen at April 02, 2008 02:09 PM (FYm8s)

8 What a splendid thing to do... I will be taking a look at the auctions!

Posted by: Andria at April 02, 2008 03:13 PM (Oo4k1)

9 What a wonderful thing to do! I hope this takes off and flies... it could be so life-changing for so many! Briliant!

Posted by: sue at April 02, 2008 03:35 PM (WbfZD)

10 Ha. Highest bidder atm :-))

Posted by: Lily at April 02, 2008 04:23 PM (w4Fm/)

11 fantastic, brilliant idea! I'm in ... and rummaging and we speak!! )

Posted by: Mas at April 02, 2008 09:34 PM (UGBIN)

12 Helen, This really is a wonderful idea. I am also thinking, thinking, for something to donate. I am an avid reader, so perhaps somethings current by my favorite authors? Happy belated birthday, and best wishes on the upcoming renovations.

Posted by: Melissia at April 02, 2008 10:48 PM (mJWbf)

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