Living in a state that skates along the bible belt and could be considered partially a “southern” state comes with a southern hospitality responsibility. It is breed into our genes to make sure that when we have guests visit us that the red carpet is rolled out, there are mints on the pillows and our guests have to be wheel barreled out of the door because they are over stuffed with good eats. You commonly hear of the endearing term of southern hospitality often, but have you ever heard of northern hospitality? Things are a just a little slower here in Virginia, well at least in comparison to the fast paced people packed metropolis that is NYC. I learned all about this when I stayed with a dear friend while I was in town for the Night of Hope gala. Between the great company, ginormously orgasmic pizza and the 3 bottles of wine we drank like water in one sitting, I can say these guys know how to show a girl a NYC good time.
It was an honor to be the recipient of the RESOLVE Hope Award. Because of your votes, Chris and I were recognized for advocacy and our labor of love that is Our Misconception. We were both invited to the Night of Hope Gala but Mr. Chris stayed behind to take on full time daddy duty while I was away. That’s OK though, I was blessed to have one amazing date for the event! Fran Meadows, advocate, IVF mom and author.
So what is the Night of Hope Gala? It is known as the “Infertility Oscars”. Basically the who’s-who of the infertility community consisting of doctors, advocates, journalist and so on. They all throw on their best suit and tie and cocktail dress and spanxs to be there for this swanky gala. Speaking of cocktail dresses and spanxs, I almost did not have anything to wear at the 11th hour. Now I promise I am not a slacker. I bought a dress a month before but I did not equate the fact that I induced lactation. I was not able to pump as much in my travels and well frankly I was Busty McBoobs. which also meant that sausaging myself into the dress would be one challenge, however zipping it up would be a whole new type of acrobatics. RESOLVE also asked that I give an acceptance speech. So I was nervous, about to pass out from lack of blood flow and terrified my dress would pop off like a busted can of biscuits all in front of hundreds of people. I am very relieved to report none of that happened and although it is not my best, I made it through the speech. You can check out our speech on our Youtube channel here. (More to come on expanding on Vlogging)
I was also star struck that night. There were so many infertility heros and she-ros amongst the crowd but WOW I was in the same room with Elizabeth Comeau and Barbara Eck. Elizabeth Comeau was the first IVF baby in the US and conceived in the romantic labs of the Jones Institute which is where Jellybean was also conceived. She emanates hope with every breathing step she takes.
This night also commemorated 40’s years of RESOLVE’s mission to help of couples in need of support. 40 years ago when infertility was never talked about, at all, Barbara Eck created the first ever support group around her kitchen table. To hear her speak was inspirational. More so to know that the one support group she created has grown into something that would provide a safe place to support millions of couples that struggle to conceive. So the message I bring home from this unforgettable night was clear after hearing Barbra Eck speak. This here folks is why we need to pay it forward.
Infertility Freshman- You’re broke. I get it. I am still stroking out checks that make my checkbook personally weep. BUT want to know what is better that your money? Your time. Volunteer for RESOLVE, advocate, or join the Walk of Hope. Either way fight back.
Graduating Class- Pay it forward. Don’t bury it in your past. Help those who now wear your old battered shoes. Donate your time or instead of contributing to those charities that everyone else donates to. How about paying homage to your alma mater and throw a couple of duckets to RESOLVE. Every dollar counts.
Supporting Cast- Ever see someone in a bad situation and feel helpless? Instead of wondering how you can help those around you who are battling the disease of infertility, do something that will make a lasting difference. Tell them about RESOLVE. Donate to RESOLVE in their name and learn about how you can get laws past that will help out them and future generations build a family.
So, the Night of Hope Gala. I was honored to be in the presence of such esteemed stalwarts of the infertility community. On top of that, they and you selected us to receive the Blog of the Year award! In this season of giving thanks, we cannot thank you enough for all of the support, prayers, and advice over the years. Have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy your Thursday food coma!
