Donations by Marlo Schalasky

Marlo Schlasky has donated one copy of her non-fiction book Empty Womb, Aching Heart and one copy of her fiction book If Tomorrow Never Comes for the Inaugural MIA Conference on November 12 in St. Louis, MO.

When the professional advice isn't enough, and you've had your fill of well-meaning comments from those who haven't experienced infertility, Marlo Schalesky wants you to know you are not alone. The true stories she tells of couples who share your hopes, fears, frustrations, and the comfort only God can bring will encourage your heart.

Infertility strikes at the core of what it means to be a woman or man, tests marriages, and shakes faith. The honest, open, and emotionally resonant first-person stories in Empty Womb, Aching Heart will touch your life—as you "cry in the diaper aisle," wonder if you "are less of a woman," ask "How far should we go?" or whisper to God, "It's not fair."

Childhood sweethearts Kinna and Jimmy Henley had simple dreams–marriage, children, a house by the sea…everything they needed for happily ever after. What they didn’t plan on was years of infertility, stealing those dreams, crushing their hopes.

Now, all that’s left is the memory of young love, and the desperate need for a child to erase the pain. Until…

Kinna rescues an elderly woman from the sea, and the threads of the past, present, and future weave together to reveal the wonder of one final hope. One final chance to follow not their dreams, but God’s plan.

Can they embrace the redemptive power of love before it’s too late? Or will their love be washed away like the castles they once built upon the sand? The past whispers to the present.  And the future shivers.  What if tomorrow never comes?

Thank you Marlo!

Giveaway: One Infertility Consult

Lotus Blossom Consulting has generously donated one free infertility consultation. Be sure to check out their website to see what all they have to offer. Thank you Lotus Blossom!

Thank you Fertility Advisors!

Fertility Advisors has been so generous with donations for the Inaugural MIA Conference. They've already donated two (2) advising sessions and then the other day, I came home to a huge package on the front steps. It included seven (7) copies of Laughin'fertility and 2 copies of Miracle Moms, Better Sex, Less Pain.

"Infertility - it's the latest "trend," and for most couples there isn't a darn thing funny about it. Well, don't be so sure. In Laughin'fertility, a guide to laughter by "baby-making challenged" author Lisa Safran, discover a funny, new perspective on the procedures, experiments, and studies so many people go through to make a baby. Laughin'fertility is a must for couples dealing with any aspect of infertility. And best of all, it will help sharpen laughter skills and prepare for what will hopefully be the next highly amusing challenge: parenthood."

"Miracle Moms, Better Sex, Less Pain tells the 20-year story of a female physical therapist's triumph over debilitating pain and disability, and the discovery of a natural treatment for conditions previously thought treatable only by surgery or drugs. Filled with hope, scientifically-researched data, over 100 original images and 80 individual patient narratives, Miracle Moms focuses on a "hands-on" therapy that has been very successful treating female infertility and other complex conditions, in published studies. Adhesions form in all people as they heal from infection, surgery or injury. Modern medicine offers little relief, because surgery creates more adhesions. When physical therapist Belinda Wurn experienced terrible adhesion pain a year after cancer surgery, her doctors said that corrective surgery would only create more adhesions. Unable to cope with the pain and unwilling to undergo surgery, she and her husband (co-author Larry Wurn) worked with respected physicians and scientists to develop a non-surgical treatment that has cured many complex medical conditions, including cases of female infertility. With co-author, research gynecologist Richard King, MD, Miracle Moms traces the team's 20-year journey as the group developed and researched a natural physical therapy with proven scientific results in common but serious conditions that have challenged medical science. These include female infertility, small bowel obstruction (which is life-threatening), sexual dysfunction (which affects nearly half of all US women) endometriosis, intercourse, menstrual and post-surgical pain. With cover endorsements from respected physicians including New York Times best-selling author Christiane Northrup, MD (who wrote the Foreword) and doctors from Harvard, Columbia, and Northwestern medical schools, this book promises to usher in a women's health revolution for the 21st century. The therapy that the team developed describes a natural treatment for thousands of patients who do not want surgery or drugs. With over 700 pages, Miracle Moms is an elegant combination of breathtaking storyline, pioneering scientific discovery and natural healing. Dozens of original illustrations provide a visual journey into the body and help explain how adhesions cause problems for so many patients and doctors, and why the unique manual therapy was successful for so many women who were diagnosed "beyond help" by their physicians - until this therapy fulfilled their dreams. The authors have published studies in some of the most respected peer-reviewed medical journals in the world. Studies in Medscape General Medicine (2004) and Fertility and Sterility (2006) showed that the therapy improved fertility and decreased or eliminated endometriosis and intercourse pain in most participants. A major study in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine (2008) showed that the therapy opened totally blocked fallopian tubes in women who had been diagnosed infertile - a feat previously thought impossible. Most had natural pregnancies after their tube(s) opened."

PLUS the the package contained 5 copies of Deb Grissett's CD with Invisible Loss. You guys are awesome! Thank you so much for all your support!

"When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden" (2nd edition) by Sandra L. Glahn and William R. Cutrer –

We have received one copy of When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden (2nd edition) by Sandra L. Glahn and William R. Cutrer.  

When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden brings solid facts, detailed information, and a message of encouragement to infertile couples and those who work with them, along with answers to the questions they ask most often. Should we consider high-tech treatments? What about donor insemination? Donor eggs? How do we respond to nosy friends and relatives? How can we keep our sex life healthy? Whatever God has in store, this book will help you and/or those you love to face the future with faith and confidence. Our newer infertility book looks more at the ethics of high-tech treatment. This one is packed with engaging stories.

About the Authors

William R. Cutrer, M.D., is a recognized expert in reproductive technology and medical ethics. A licensed obstetrician/gynecologist who specialized in the treatment of infertility for more than fifteen years, he also holds a graduate degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and is an ordained minister. Currently he is the Gheens Professor of Christian Ministry at The Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He and his wife, Jane, have been married for thirty-seven years and have three children and six grandchildren.

Sandra Glahn, Th.M., is an adjunct professor at Dallas Seminary, where she edits the award-winning magazine Kindred Spirit. She is the author of the Coffee Cup Bible Studies series for women and the coauthor of seven books about marriage and reproductive issues. Sandra also serves on the board of the Evangelical Press Association and the women's executive committee for Bible.org. She and her husband, Gary, make their home in Dallas, Texas. 

Thank you for your generous donation!

Old Mill Chiropractic

Old Mill Chiropractic has donated 2 (two) one-hour massages to raffle at the Inaugural MIA Conference on November 12 in St. Louis, MO. Have you registered yet? If not, registration is free but be sure to register to save your spot. Thanks Dr. Coogan for your donation!

Hotels for the Conference

If you are traveling from out of town for the conference, here is a list of hotels close to the Lodge Des Peres where the conference is being held.

St. Louis Marriott West
660 Maryville Centre Dr.
Town and Country, MO 63141
314-878-2747

Hilton St. Louis Frontenac
1335 S. Lindbergh Blvd.
Frontenac, MO 63131
314-993-1100

Courtyard Creve Couer
828 N New Ballas Road
Creve Coeur, Missouri 63146
314-993-0515

Drury Inn Creve Couer
11980 Olive Boulevard, Creve Coeur, MO 63141-6730
(314) 989-1100 ‎
Homewood Suites Chesterfield
840 North Chesterfield Pkwy West
Chesterfield, Missouri 63017
636-530-0305
*Note for GPS users: use 141 Hilltown Village, Chesterfield, MO 63017. We are directly behind Schnuck's Grocery.

Registration for 2011 MIA Conference

If you haven't noticed at the top of the blog, registration is now open for the 2011 Inaugural Midwest Infertility Awareness (MIA) Conference. It is free to attend the conference but we request that you register so that we can plan accordingly.

Invite your friends, your family, or bring the hubby along! This conference is designed to share awareness and knowledge about infertility as well as introduce you to other women in your community going through similar journeys. Be sure to check back regularly to see updates on speakers, sponsors and giveaways.

What are you waiting for? Check your calendars, pencil us in and GO REGISTER!