Michigan’s First-Ever Infertility Awareness “Walk of Hope” is Saturday

Couples who want children but haven’t been able to have them know the definition of infertility only too well.  “Infertility” is defined as the inability to get pregnant after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.  It affects about 1 in 8 American couples. One in four suffer miscarriages.

Sue and Bob Johnston of Brighton, Michigan were one of those couples.  After a decade-long struggle, and with the help of technology, they were able finally have a baby boy, who is now full-grown.  But their struggle has inspired them to reach out and help others who battle infertility.  The Johnstons appeared on the 95.3 WBCK Morning Show with Tim Collins during “Infertility Awareness Week to tell their story of hope.”

Sue Johnston says “A diagnosis can alter relationships, lead to depression and anxiety, and threaten lifelong expectations of parenthood. Thankfully, medical advances such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) have made it possible for certain couples to conceive, but these treatments carry risks and are often poorly understood.”

The Johnstons underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) seven times before finally getting pregnant.  IFV cost more than $10,000 each time back then, and still can cost upwards of $15,000 for each attempt.  Infertility is not usually covered by insurance.

Sue Johnston, an elementary school teacher, decided that she wanted to “give back” and help others facing the same challenges that she and Bob faced.  She wrote a book.

She started a website.and started support groups.  And now, she’s coordinating the first ever Walk of Hope that coincides with National Infertility Awareness Week.

• What: MICHIGAN’s first ever infertility Walk of Hope
• When:  This event coincides with National Infertility Awareness Week and will be held on Saturday morning, April 27, 2019 from 9:30 AM – noon.
• Where: The Tolan Playfield 601 Mack Avenue, Detroit, MI
• Why: Infertility affects 1 in 8 people worldwide. We want to provide a statewide platform of infertility awareness and support for all those who are affected by infertility.

In addition, Johnston is seeking medical/infertility clinics that are willing to be sponsors and donors or medical professionals who would like to participate on WALK day as presenters.  People who attend the Walk of Hope need their services so their presence is mutually beneficial.

All proceeds from the Walk of Hope will be donated to RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association to help provide support, education, programs and advocacy.