Still Holding On to Hope: Nick & Marquita’s IVF Journey
When the First IVF Transfer Doesn't End in a Baby—But the Story Isn’t Over
Nick and Marquita began their journey toward parenthood in 2017. Fresh out of school, newly settled, and financially ready, they believed, like so many do, that starting a family would be simple. But their path quickly revealed itself to be anything but.
After the removal of her IUD and many months of trying naturally, nothing was happening. When they relocated from California to Arizona in 2019, they hoped for a fresh start, but their dream of growing their family still remained just out of reach. An appointment with a women’s health provider led to testing and the discovery of some polyps, thankfully non-cancerous, but no clear cause of infertility.
Discouraged but determined, Marquita began working closely with a nurse practitioner who listened deeply and advocated for a medicated cycle to support conception. This chapter brought renewed hope, but also tough news: despite six medicated cycles and then a failed IUI attempt, conception remained elusive. Then came a diagnosis, low AMH, meaning fewer eggs and a lower likelihood of conceiving without more advanced treatment.
In July 2024, the couple took a brave step forward: IVF. Their first egg retrieval was unsuccessful, but a second attempt yielded three genetically healthy embryos, an outcome that brought both relief and renewed anticipation. In April 2025, one of those precious embryos was transferred.
And for a moment, joy rushed in.
“Thanks to your grant, we were able to have our first transfer (of a genetically tested embryo) on April 16, 2025. The embryo did take, and we were overjoyed. Unfortunately, at 9 weeks, we miscarried. Nick and I have been on this journey since 2023 and we have not given up. The loss did shake us, and right now we are on a pause. We are exploring when to try again. Having a loss after success did shake us, but we are holding onto each other and just praying that our baby will make it to earth side one day soon.”
Their words speak for so many in the infertility community; those who have dared to hope, only to be met with heartbreak. And yet, their story is not over. IVF is not a guarantee, and sometimes the journey includes painful setbacks. But what it does offer is the opportunity to keep going. And that’s exactly what Nick and Marquita are doing.
At Starfish Infertility Foundation, we believe in honoring every outcome. Because even when a transfer doesn’t result in a baby, the courage it took to get to that point deserves to be seen, heard, and held.
To the couples reading this who are still in the waiting, who have faced loss, who are navigating pause and uncertainty: we see you. Nick and Marquita are proof that you are not alone in this. There is still hope. There is still time. And this story, like yours, is still being written.
Please join us in sending love and strength to Nick and Marquita as they continue their journey. Their bravery and vulnerability remind us why our mission matters, because every story, every embryo, every step forward... matters.
Help Us Continue This Mission
Every grant we give changes a life. Whether it leads to a baby, a next step, or simply a moment of hope—your support matters. If Nick and Marquita’s story moved you, please consider:
Sponsoring a grant to support a hopeful couple directly
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Together, we can make a difference—one story, one family, and one starfish story at a time.
