In 1976, Catholics, went door-to-door to ask for donations to support a new
charity called ShareLife. It was a rallying cry for Catholics across the
Archdiocese of Toronto to stand up for a charity committed to valuing life
at all stages. 40 years later, we continue the tradition of caring and sharing and ask you, once again, to recommit to living a faith that acts.
I come to speak to you today as the executive director of FertilityCare Toronto a funded agency of ShareLife.
You may wonder why FertilityCare Toronto is a member of ShareLife. It is obviously different than many other agencies which serve the hungry and homeless of the Archdiocese.
FertilityCare Toronto also serves a vulnerable community…of women and couples with reproductive and gynaecological health concerns including painful periods, premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome and all the causes of infertility and recurrent miscarriage. Through services in FertilityCare and NaProTECHNOLOGY women and couples achieve good health, an understanding of the gift of fertility and a better than average chance at a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby without the suppressive and damaging effects of hormonal treatments offered elsewhere.
FertilityCare Toronto receives no government funding or support. Our services are paid for through client user fees, charitable donations and the support of ShareLife. ShareLife support allows us to keep our fees low so we can help people like Amy and Ted.
Amy and Ted achieved pregnancy through FertilityCare after almost 4 years of trying.
Amy had a history of endometriosis, 4 surgeries and a recommendation from her doctor that her only option was IVF. Besides the moral implications, IVF costs between 8 & 12,000 dollars per cycle and has a relatively low success rate.
They worked with FertilityCare Toronto for 15 months. It was determined that Amy had one blocked Fallopian tube and low progesterone. After surgery to repair the tube and only two cycles of treatment they became pregnant and delivered a healthy baby boy.
In Amy’s words “FertilityCare Toronto treats their patients with the greatest amount of respect and care. I have never felt so in control of my fertility as I do today. Thank you”
I hope you’ll have a chance to reflect on how you’re making a difference in the lives of women and couples by supporting the ShareLife family. In this our 40th year, we need your help more than ever. Give to ShareLife, a charity that will use your funds responsibly and effectively to make a difference. The clients of FertilityCare Toronto and thousands of others who receive help from ShareLife agencies, thank you for changing lives forever.
www.sharelife.org