The Generations of Hope Fertility Assistance Launched

On Saturday, August 6th over 70 patients, staff, industry representatives and volunteers from the Regional Fertility Program supported two teams in the Cross Calgary Ultramarathon Relay. This event officially launched the “Generations of Hope Fertility Assistance Fund”. Monies raised for this fund will be used to assist patients who are struggling with financial burdens related to fertility treatments.

The turnout of staff and former patients to cheer on the runners was tremendous. Runners included former patients, representative from Serono Canada, nursing and lab staff as well as Dr. O’Keane. Despite the 30? heat, the runners covered over 110 km in a few short hours. T-shirts donning the “Generations of Hope” logo were worn by all helping to raise awareness about infertility and the new fund. Media coverage of the event provided an opportunity to raise awareness about infertility, the lack of government assistance or private insurance coverage for treatment, as well as the financial challenges many face in pursuing their dream to have a child.

The goal of the “Generations of Hope Fertility Assistance Fund” is to raise $100,000 in the next year through private and corporate donations as well as various fundraising activities. It is hoped that by the end of 2006 there will be sufficient resources in the fund to assist some eligible couples. Eligibility for financial assistance will be determined by a sliding scale calculation based on total family income. The fund will be administered through the Calgary Health Trust and a tax receipt will be provided to all donors.

Donations are now being accepted at:
Generations of Hope Fertility Assistance Fund
Regional Fertility Program
330, 1620 – 29 Street NW
Calgary, AB T2N 4L7

For additional information please contact the clinic at (403)284-9103.

Up to date fundraising information and activities will be provided on this site.

Stay tuned for more news and events!

The 5,000^th IVF Baby Has Arrived!

We are delighted to announce the arrival of the 5,000^th IVF baby conceived through the Regional Fertility Program. The IVF program began in 1984. By 1989 the first 100 babies had been born and the first 1,000 babies by 1997. The arrival of the 5,000^th IVF baby is an important milestone for both our patients and our clinic. To commemorate this event a number of activities are being planned in 2006.

On August 6, 2006 the first annual “Generations of Hope Run/Walk” will take place around the Glenmore reservoir area. It will consist of a ½ km run for the children as well as a 5 and 10 km race. It is hoped that we will get a large turnout for this event including previous patients as well as interested members of the public. Funds generated from this race will go to the “Generations of Hope Fertility Assistance Fund”.

Following the completion of the race events the “Generation Celebration 5,000” will follow at Heritage Park. All families of IVF children through our program will be invited to this celebration which will involve a day at Heritage Park including a catered lunch. Clinic staff is presently in the process of updating the addresses of these families so we can send them an invitation to this important event. If your address or other contact information has changed please complete the address section only of the volunteer form below and fax to the Regional Fertility Program at 284-9293. The cost to patients for participating in this event which will include admission to the park as well as lunch is still being determined. Rates are presently being negotiated with Heritage Park representatives. Any profits and donations generated from this event will be donated to the “Generations of Hope Fertility Assistance Fund”. Further details will be announced as they become available.

Call for Volunteers

The "Generations of Hope Walk/Run" and the "Generation Celebration 5,000" events as described above will require a large number of volunteers to plan and carryout. A number of patient volunteers, lead by Sarah Ditchburn, have already been very active in the launching of the "Generations of Hope Fertility Assistance Fund". If you are interested in volunteering for these projects please complete the following form and fax it to 403(284-9293).