We got our letter today in the post. It's not good news:
We have been declined funding for our surrogacy. We can't appeal and can't complain.
Basically the decision has been made because, apparently, there were no exceptional circumstances (just carrying a baby could potentially kill me or shorten my life dramatically) and we didn't fit the funding criteria. They have sent me the criteria and it is because my medical condition and treatment doesn't affect my eggs or Josh's sperm. For example, if I had cancer or was about to receive cancer treatment and this was to affect my eggs then we would get the funding, likewise, if Josh had cancer and the treatment was going to affect his sperm and kill them, then we would get the funding. We don't qualify for this as both my eggs and Josh's sperm isn't the issue so they don't actually fund surrogacy.
Josh is at work and we have told family who are all supportive but there is nothing anyone can say or do to change the situation. We are both very upset, frustrated and angry. Everyone has been so positive and optimistic that we would get the funding as to us, it was a clear cut case, however, things never turn out as planned. I can't really write much else at the moment as I don't know what to say other than it being followed by many many swear words!
On another, slightly more positive frame of mind: we are going to get started with some fundraising. I have always disliked the idea of some fundraising pages - don't get me wrong, some of them are amazing and help people in times of need - but I'm just stubborn and come from the mindset of 'why should someone just give me money' 'it's not up to them'. Since starting this blog though, many people have asked if we have a donation page as they would like to help, so..... I have set one up and the link is below. We will be arranging some fundraising events which we will let you know about once they have been organised. Any ideas or help is welcome!
https://www.gofundme.com/the-making-of-baby-thomas
Thats the link to the page above. Please feel free to share this blog or the link. Any donations or any help in spreading the word is honestly appreciated so much by me and Josh.
Will update more soon when I'm in a better frame of mind. I knew this journey wasn't going to be easy, however, the journey hasn't hardly had a chance to begin yet....
