UPDATED: Video of the Pram Push for IVF Funding - May 10th, 2009 (Opens in a new window)
On Mother’s Day, Sunday May 10, 2009, two hundred infertility patients, along with their families, friends and supporters, marched from Nathan Phillips Square to Queen’s Park. The goal of the Pram Push for IVF Funding was to raise awareness for the issue of IVF and infertility funding as a lead-in event to National Infertility Awareness Week.
Leading the way were men and women pushing empty strollers to symbolize the children missing from the lives of Ontario’s infertility patients. Pram Push participants carried signs proclaiming “Ontario’s Infertile Families – Push for IVF Funding”. It was truly a moving experience to see so many wonderful families uniting together in the hope of making their dreams of parenthood a reality.
At Queen’s Park, three wonderful guest speakers addressed the participants. Jan Silverman told participants that the Expert Panel on Infertility and Adoption has heard the voices of Ontario infertility patients. She asked us to band together to make sure that the recommendations of the panel do not fall upon deaf ears in the government. Jocelyn Smith, the president of the Infertility Awareness Association, asked participants to take the time to tell their personal stories on the IAAC website. Finally, there were very few dry eyes while April Hoyt described her family’s own long battle with infertility and reminded us that motherhood should not come with a price tag.
We are pleased that several media outlets carried stories about the Pram Push. Others have contacted Conceivable Dreams about this story. Our goal of raising public awareness for this important cause was truly achieved.
To Everyone who walked with us, chanted with us, cheered with us and cried with us on Mother’s Day... Thank You.
Joanne, Kerri and Ashley
We would love to hear from you! Contact us at info@conceivabledreams.org
