Episode 139: Embryo Art – Roxy Jenkins

A year after getting married, Roxy Jenkins and her husband decided to grow their family. Little did they know, the next five years would be a bumpy, winding path navigating infertility. It took seven medicated cycles, two IUIs, three retrievals and fresh transfers, and one twin miscarriage until their little Coco finally made her way into the world. The quest for a sibling has proven to be as difficult. For the past two and a half years, they have endured two retrievals, three miscarriages, one ectopic pregnancy, uterine testing, both tubes being removed, a Lupron Depot flare, and three back-to-back cycles being cancelled. Add to that a exploratory laparotomy with a resulting endo diagnosis. They have one tested embryo left on ice and that’s where their story pauses for now. Inspired by her own family’s story and her love of art, Roxy decided to give color to a dark and painful journey. Each painting she does makes her feel less alone while navigating infertility. Every story shared of how each embryo came into existence is as unique as the embryo itself. All paths to parenthood are valid and worthy of sharing. Roxy feels honored that so many have entrusted the sweetest, most special part of their journey to her. Listen to Roxy as she discusses with Ellen and Jenn: • After a year of marriage, her and her spouse wanting to start a family. • Finding the right doctor and learning they had IVF coverage. • A rough road of being diagnosed with PCOS, going through IUI, IVF, egg retrievals and loss of a pregnancy. • Finally, a successful pregnancy and the arrival of their daughter. • Finding strength in carrying around her daughter’s embryo portrait while pregnant. • Painting her daughter’s embryo portrait and discovering a meaningful gift for others. • Starting her Etsy shop and finding her full-time passion. • Painting as her own infertility therapy. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903. Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ Check out Roxy’s artwork here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DearCocoDesign?ref=shop_sugg