This year, National Infertility Awareness Week (hosted by the National Infertility Association, resolve.org) is April 24-May 1. I have decided to host a Kickoff Event on April 24th in Salt Lake City, UT. It will be an opportunity for couples dealing with infertility as well as those who are supporting friends and family dealing with infertility to come and learn more about this disease that affects 7.3 million Americans. The event will include educational sessions on various topics led by Reproductive Endocrinologists and Therapists.

I am looking for volunteers to serve on my committee. If you are interested, please email me at kerstin.daynes@ldsinfertility.org.

Our 2010 Infertility Forums are starting THIS month, and I just can’t tell you how excited I am about it! I am excited to get talking about infertility with you, to meet you, and to share stories and thoughts with each other.

Here is what the schedule looks like:

January 20th – Pleasant Grove, UT
January 29th – San Antonio, TX
February 17th – Sandy, UT

There is more information, including times, topics, and locations on ldsInfertility.org. Click here for more information. These forums are open to whomever would like to attend and they are FREE! We all like FREE right? Oh, and another thing we all like…PRIZES. Prizes will definitely be a part of these events!

I’d love for you to attend. Please invite friends and family. If you would like to pass the word along to your other people, including Relief Society presidents, you can download a flyer below.

Pleasant Grove Flyer (PDF)
San Antonio Flyer (PDF)

If you would like to host a forum (at your home or your church), please let me know…it is free!! You can be a powerful instrument in opening dialogue and establishing greater awareness.

2010 Think & Share has officially been launched! As many of you already know, I gave you a chance to wet your palette (so to speak) last month when I couldn’t resist prodding you to share your thoughts on how to Survive and Thrive during Christmastime. I loved what you had to say and want you to share more!!

This month’s topic is “Positive Infertility Language” and I think the topic will cause us all to think in new ways. We all know that it is far from difficult to compose a list of comments and questions we have heard from others. You know what I am talking about…those things that are said by friends and family who are trying to be sensitive and end up hurting instead. I am sure you each have a list tucked away somewhere. BUT, I would dare say that it is not easy to turn those phrases into more positive and compassionate ways to say the same things. Now is your chance to help formulate a list of positive ways to converse about infertility. Now is your chance to help educate and reach out to change the world!

I invite you to check it out…think about it…then share…

Don’t forget–the deadline is January 15th. Happy thinking!!

2010 is going to be the year when I push to reach out to as many people as I can. I want anyone who is dealing with infertility to know about ldsInfertility.org and to know that it is a resource for them. If they are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, great! If not…great!

Because I am only one person, I need your help. I would like to post signs and distribute flyers to places that infertile couples frequent…OB/GYN offices, Reproductive Clinics, and LDS Family Service Offices. If you would like to help by being an extra set of legs, I’d love your assistance. Let me know by emailing me: kerstin.daynes@ldsinfertility.org. Include your address and a list of specific places you would like to deliver to (just so we don’t duplicate locations). I will send you a packet with instructions and the flyers/signs.

Thanks for joining the efforts! I appreciate your help!!