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www.resolveofthebaystate.org www.resolveofgreaterhartford.org

Serving New England

Continues on Page 7

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

WWWWWINTERINTERINTERINTERINTER 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007

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The Importance of MindfulnessThe Importance of MindfulnessThe Importance of MindfulnessThe Importance of MindfulnessThe Importance of MindfulnessBy Alice D. Domar, PhD

IIIIINNNNN T T T T THISHISHISHISHIS I I I I ISSUESSUESSUESSUESSUE...............ARTICLE - The Importance of Mindfulness

RESOLVE Information

RESOLVE Educational Programs

Adoption Decision Making Series

RESOLVE Peer Discussion Groups -General Infertility

RESOLVE Peer Discussion Groups -Topic Oriented

Special Educational Program -Beyond Infertility

Events Calendar

Insurance Call-in Hours

ARTICLE - Considering Egg Donation?

ARTICLE - The Road Less Traveled

Donor Egg Information Packet

Annual Conference 2006 Wrap Up

Greater Hartford Chapter Information

ARTICLE - Highlights From the ASRMAnnual Meeting

Non-RESOLVE Programs

Newsletter Policies and Chapter Leaders

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• Ask the Nurse: Questions You Can’t/Won’t Ask Your Doctor• Adoption Decision Making Series• Low Ovarian Reserve and Treatment of Poor Responders• What Every Adoptive Parent Should Know: Keys to Understanding Your Child• Special Educational Program: Beyond Infertility

EEEEEDUCADUCADUCADUCADUCATIONALTIONALTIONALTIONALTIONAL P P P P PRRRRROGRAMSOGRAMSOGRAMSOGRAMSOGRAMS


So often we live in the past or the future. We dwell on distant hurts orworries, or we fret about what is to come later in the day, next week, nextyear. When we do this, the here and now slips away, and we live in a stateof mindlessness.

A practice called mindfulness can help pull you back into the moment.Being mindful means appreciating the here and now—the soft breeze onyour face, the smell of stew cooking in the kitchen, the happy feeling youexperience when your husband surprises you with flowers.

Mindfulness is important for infertile women for several reasons. Becauseof the cyclical nature of reproduction, you are constantly thinking of pastand future—and the period you had last month, the period you’re hopingnot to get this month, the medical procedure scheduled for next week.What’s more, infertility is so stressful that it can overshadow everythingelse in your life—even the good things. Mindfulness can help you rememberthat even though you’ve got a terrible, horrible stressor in your life, it is notthe only thing. That’s how it worked for Karen, who participated in myprogram after three unsuccessful IUIs and two failed IVFs.

Mindfulness taught me to try to refocus on all of thewonderful things I do have rather than what I don’thave. It’s so easy to look at what everyone else hasand say, “Oh, they’re so lucky, they have three kids,”or whatever. When I take a step back and look atwhat I have, I can say, “Well, I’m pretty lucky, too. Ihave this, this, and this that they don’t have.” I havea great family, wonderful friends, and a job I love.It’s so important for me to remember those thingsinstead of getting caught up in the whole pregnancything all the time. Now I’m more laid back about it.

You can practice mindfulness while you’re engaged in an activity or as aform of relaxation. Although mindful meditation isn’t for everyone—thosewith a limited ability to empty their minds don’t always do well with mindfulmeditation—anyone can benefit from taking steps to be fully present inher own life.

How to Practice Mindful Activity

You can be mindful while doing any activity, from walking through a beautifulstate park to folding laundry. The trick is to be fully engaged in your activity,training all of your senses on what you’re doing.

Here’s a great way to practice mindfulness—and an assignment I’m sureyou won’t mind doing. Try eating a spoonful of ice cream mindfully. Slowlyopen the freezer, feel the puff of cold air on your face, take the ice cream

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RESOLRESOLRESOLRESOLRESOLVE IVE IVE IVE IVE INFORMANFORMANFORMANFORMANFORMATIONTIONTIONTIONTION

www.resolveofthebaystate.org www.resolveofgreaterhartford.org

It’It’It’It’It’s easy to become a member of RESOLs easy to become a member of RESOLs easy to become a member of RESOLs easy to become a member of RESOLs easy to become a member of RESOLVE. Simply fill out the form on the back and mail / fax it todayVE. Simply fill out the form on the back and mail / fax it todayVE. Simply fill out the form on the back and mail / fax it todayVE. Simply fill out the form on the back and mail / fax it todayVE. Simply fill out the form on the back and mail / fax it today.....

Household membership: $ 55 Professional membership: $150

RESOLVE of the Bay State is the Massachusetts Chapter of RESOLVE, Inc. Join the Bay State Chapter and you automatically become amember of National RESOLVE.

RESOLVE of the Bay State Member BenefitsRESOLVE of the Bay State Member BenefitsRESOLVE of the Bay State Member BenefitsRESOLVE of the Bay State Member BenefitsRESOLVE of the Bay State Member Benefits

Chapter Helpline – Chapter Helpline – Chapter Helpline – Chapter Helpline – Chapter Helpline – 781-890-2225, for information and support from a trained callback volunteer.Quarterly Newsletter —Quarterly Newsletter —Quarterly Newsletter —Quarterly Newsletter —Quarterly Newsletter — co-published with RESOLVE of Greater HartfordInsurance and Donor Egg Call-in Hours —Insurance and Donor Egg Call-in Hours —Insurance and Donor Egg Call-in Hours —Insurance and Donor Egg Call-in Hours —Insurance and Donor Egg Call-in Hours — 781-890-2225, for assistance with your insurance problems or donor egg issues. Check ourwebsite or this newsletter for scheduled hours.Educational Programs –Educational Programs –Educational Programs –Educational Programs –Educational Programs – varied monthly presentations by experts in the fields of infertility or adoption. Also multi-week seminar series providingan in-depth look at one topic.Professionally-Led Support Groups – Professionally-Led Support Groups – Professionally-Led Support Groups – Professionally-Led Support Groups – Professionally-Led Support Groups – a variety of time-limited groups that meet on a weekly basis, for women and couples, led by a licensedtherapist. Many members state that their support group participation was the best thing they did for themselves during their infertility.Monthly Peer Discussion Groups –Monthly Peer Discussion Groups –Monthly Peer Discussion Groups –Monthly Peer Discussion Groups –Monthly Peer Discussion Groups – open forums held at various locations providing information and support to people interested in learning moreabout their infertility and RESOLVE. Groups focusing on specific areas of interest are held in our Waltham office.Discounts —Discounts —Discounts —Discounts —Discounts — members can attend all Peer Discussion Groups free of charge and receive substantial discounts on programs and literature.Annual Conference –Annual Conference –Annual Conference –Annual Conference –Annual Conference – a day-long educational event with over 40 workshops focusing on infertility treatment, emotional issues, donor egg andadoption.DirDirDirDirDirectory of Services –ectory of Services –ectory of Services –ectory of Services –ectory of Services – a resource book of infertility and adoption services published annually.Advocacy —Advocacy —Advocacy —Advocacy —Advocacy — for protection of the Massachusetts insurance mandate and continued legislative and insurance reform.MemberMemberMemberMemberMember-to-Member Connection-to-Member Connection-to-Member Connection-to-Member Connection-to-Member Connection — members are matched with member volunteers who share similar experiences or who have a specific area ofexpertise.Chapter Library – Chapter Library – Chapter Library – Chapter Library – Chapter Library – located in the Waltham office. Call for hours.VVVVVolunteer Opportunities olunteer Opportunities olunteer Opportunities olunteer Opportunities olunteer Opportunities — we depend on volunteers for many of our services. Feel good helping others facing similar challenges.

RESOLVE of Greater Hartford is the Connecticut Chapter of RESOLVE, Inc. Join the Greater Hartford Chapter and you automaticallybecome a member of National RESOLVE.In addition to the quarterly newsletter co-published with the Bay State chapterIn addition to the quarterly newsletter co-published with the Bay State chapterIn addition to the quarterly newsletter co-published with the Bay State chapterIn addition to the quarterly newsletter co-published with the Bay State chapterIn addition to the quarterly newsletter co-published with the Bay State chapter, and the Annual Confer, and the Annual Confer, and the Annual Confer, and the Annual Confer, and the Annual Conference held in Massachu-ence held in Massachu-ence held in Massachu-ence held in Massachu-ence held in Massachu-setts, benefits include:setts, benefits include:setts, benefits include:setts, benefits include:setts, benefits include:Chapter HelplineChapter HelplineChapter HelplineChapter HelplineChapter Helpline — 860-523-8337 for information and support from a trained callback volunteer.Educational PrEducational PrEducational PrEducational PrEducational Prooooogggggramsramsramsramsrams — varied presentations by experts in the fields of infertility, insurance or adoptionMonthly PMonthly PMonthly PMonthly PMonthly Peer Support Greer Support Greer Support Greer Support Greer Support Groupsoupsoupsoupsoups — groups are open to individuals or couples experiencing primary or secondary infertility. Meetings arefree for members.Lending LibraryLending LibraryLending LibraryLending LibraryLending Library — free of charge for all members. Please e-mail [email protected] for a list of current books.AdvocacyAdvocacyAdvocacyAdvocacyAdvocacy — for protection of the Connecticut insurance mandate and continued legislative and insurance reform. Please [email protected] or 860-523-8337 for any CT insurance or advocacy questions.MemberMemberMemberMemberMember-to-Member Contact/F-to-Member Contact/F-to-Member Contact/F-to-Member Contact/F-to-Member Contact/Friendshipsriendshipsriendshipsriendshipsriendships — finding people who have traveled or are currently traveling this same journey, to shareyour emotions and situations with, can make you a stronger person/couple in dealing with your fertility.VVVVVolunteer Opportunitiesolunteer Opportunitiesolunteer Opportunitiesolunteer Opportunitiesolunteer Opportunities — please contact 860-523-8337 or [email protected] if you are interested in becoming a volunteer.

RESOLVE of Greater Hartford Member BenefitsRESOLVE of Greater Hartford Member BenefitsRESOLVE of Greater Hartford Member BenefitsRESOLVE of Greater Hartford Member BenefitsRESOLVE of Greater Hartford Member Benefits


FFFFFamily Building Magamily Building Magamily Building Magamily Building Magamily Building Magazineazineazineazineazine — published quarterly.Discounts on RESOLDiscounts on RESOLDiscounts on RESOLDiscounts on RESOLDiscounts on RESOLVE literaturVE literaturVE literaturVE literaturVE literatureeeee — a variety of written materials on every aspect of infertility.Online CommOnline CommOnline CommOnline CommOnline Community unity unity unity unity — Access 10 bulletin boards at www.resolve.org, including Getting Started, Adoption, IVF and High-Tech Procedures,Third Party Reproduction, Pregnancy After Infertility, Parenting After Infertility, Male Perspective, Secondary Infertility, Pregnancy Loss,and High FSH.Also — Also — Also — Also — Also — Advocacy for legislative and insurance reforms, and National RESOLVE’s comprehensive website: www.resolve.org

National BenefitsNational BenefitsNational BenefitsNational BenefitsNational Benefits

EEEEEDUCADUCADUCADUCADUCATIONALTIONALTIONALTIONALTIONAL P P P P PRRRRROGRAMSOGRAMSOGRAMSOGRAMSOGRAMSRESOLVE of the Bay State is pleased to announce our WINTER Programs, designed to provide information and supportto people experiencing infertility. Meetings combine formal presentations with ample opportunities for discussion withpresenters and members of the audience.

FEES: (unless indicated otherwise) RESOLVE members, $10 per person; non-members, $20 per personRegister in advance for these programs by calling 781-890-2225 or emailing the office [email protected]

3www.resolveofthebaystate.org www.resolveofgreaterhartford.org

Low Ovarian Reserve and Treatment of Poor Responders

This program covers ovarian reserve, the tests (FSH levels, etc) that are available to evaluate it, and the implicationsof these tests for treatment outcome. Learn about the lab findings and treatment options in the “poor responder.”

Where: The Walker Center Living Room, 171 Grove Street, Auburndale (Newton), MA 02466When: Wednesday, February 28, 2007, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

With Dr. Ania Kowalik, Reproductive Science Center

Ask the Nurse: Questions You Can’t/Won’t Ask Your Doctor

Infertility can be a difficult time, full of questions and concerns. You may even feel like your life is starting to spinout of control. You may not feel comfortable asking your doctor certain questions, or just may not be sure whichquestions need answering, or even how to ask them. At this program you will learn some strategies for communicat-ing effectively with your nurse, doctor, or clinical team, so that you can understand all about your medical care.Please bring questions about all aspects of your treatment: medical and emotional, plus how to navigate the clinicbureaucracy. Knowledge is key to feeling more in control and will make the infertility journey easier.

Where: Eliot Church of Newton, 474 Centre Street, Newton Corner, MA 02458in the Parlor/Living Room

When: Wednesday, January 17, 2007, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

With Carol Lesser, NP, Boston IVF


What Every Adoptive Parent Should Know - Keys to Understanding Your Child

Jeff LaCure - adoptee, social worker, author, and high school coach - is a sought after and dynamic speaker in theadoption world. His knowledge of children and his personal experience of growing up as an adoptee will provide theaudience with valuable insights into both the adoption process and the perspective of the adopted child.

Topics covered will include: (1) how a child experiences adoption, (2) what are some of the most important thingsa child would want their parents to know, and (3) how children view their birth and adoptive parents. Anyone consideringadoption or currently an adoptive parent will walk away from this session with some new ways of looking at adoption.

Where: Flashner Conference Room A, Children’s Hospital of Waltham, 9 Hope Ave, Waltham, MAPlease Note: Children’s Hospital of Waltham is a daytime outpatient facility. No childrenare present at this facility in the evenings or on weekends.

When: Tuesday, March 6, 2007, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

With Jeff LaCure, MSW, LICSW

4 www.resolveofthebaystate.org www.resolveofgreaterhartford.org

You do not need to be a member of RESOLVE to attend. Suggested donation for non-member is $3 per person, $5 per couple;free for RESOLVE members. Monies donated to RESOLVE of Greater Hartford for ongoing operating expenses. Please note:All discussions remain confidential.We are looking for Peer Support Group Leaders for other counties in CT (Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland,and Windham). If you are interested please contact 860-523-8337 or [email protected] call the RESOLVE of Greater Hartford HelpLine for more information or to check for cancellation due to bad weather: 860-523-8337*Please RSVP for the New Haven Peer Support Group which runs from September 2006 through May 2007.

Saturday, January 20, 2007 - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Session 1 — Adoption Decision Making

Saturday, January 20, 2007 - 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Session 2 — International Adoption

Pre-registration is strongly recommended. Registration forms for this series is available on our website atwww.resolveofthebaystate.org. RESOLVE member fees: $100 individual, $175 couple; non-member fees:$125 individual, $250 couple. Full payment is required regardless of the number of sessions attended.

This series is designed to ❊ Guide you through the maze of adoption issues and options. ❊ Help you gather information from topadoption professionals in one place. ❊ Offer opportunities for dialogue with others making the same kinds of decisions to formtheir families.

Panel discussion with parents that have experienced adoption from each side. Panelists will include adoptive parents and birth parents.Will cover real life stories and allow time for plenty of questions. Wrap up will include discussion of next steps and where participantscan find continued support.

Saturday, January 27, 2007 - 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Session 4 — Adoptive Parents & Birth Parents Talk about Adoption

In-depth overview of the experience of domestic adoption, with a panel of domestic agencies, adoption attorneys, and social workers.Will cover traditional in-state agency adoptions as well as the growing trend toward the use of out-of-state agencies, attorneys, andfacilitators to identify birth parents looking to make an adoption plan.

Saturday, January 27, 2007 - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Session 3 — Domestic Adoption

Discussion of how you make the emotional leap to adoption, led by an adoption counselor. Includes strategies for couple decision-making throughout the adoption process; discussion of the many decisions along the way; overview of the adoption process — fromapplication through placement.

In-depth overview of the experience of international adoption, with a panel of international adoption specialists including adoptionagencies and social workers. Covers factors in picking an agency, a country (i.e., parent age, travel and time, age and experience of pre-adoptive children, and medical issues) and issues surrounding transracial and transcultural adoptions.

Flashner Conference Room A, Children’s Hospital of Waltham, 9 Hope Ave, Waltham, MA** Children’s Hospital of Waltham is an outpatient clinic. No children are present at this facility in the evenings or weekends.

Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. January 20 and 27, 2007

AAAAADOPTIONDOPTIONDOPTIONDOPTIONDOPTION D D D D DECISIONECISIONECISIONECISIONECISION M M M M MAKINGAKINGAKINGAKINGAKING S S S S SERIESERIESERIESERIESERIES


WorcesterTatnuck Park at Worcester, 340 May St

7:00 - 8:30 p.m.,Thursday, January 25 & Wednesdays,

February 21 & March 21

StoughtonWhole Person Health, 294 Pleasant St (Rte 139)

Thursdays, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.,January 18, February 15 & March 15

WalthamRESOLVE office, 395 Totten Pond Road, Ste 403

Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.February 13 & March 13

MMMMMASSAASSAASSAASSAASSACHUSETTSCHUSETTSCHUSETTSCHUSETTSCHUSETTS - P - P - P - P - PEEREEREEREEREER D D D D DISCUSSIONISCUSSIONISCUSSIONISCUSSIONISCUSSION G G G G GRRRRROUPSOUPSOUPSOUPSOUPS - G - G - G - G - GENERALENERALENERALENERALENERAL I I I I INFERNFERNFERNFERNFERTILITYTILITYTILITYTILITYTILITY

Farmington Areaheld on the 3rd Thursday of every month

University of Connecticut Health Center / Dowling SouthBuilding, 2nd Floor ‘Education’ Room

263 Farmington AvenueThursdays, 7:00 p.m.

January 18, February 15, March 15, & April 19

CCCCCONNECTICUTONNECTICUTONNECTICUTONNECTICUTONNECTICUT - P - P - P - P - PEEREEREEREEREER D D D D DISCUSSIONISCUSSIONISCUSSIONISCUSSIONISCUSSION G G G G GRRRRROUPSOUPSOUPSOUPSOUPS - G - G - G - G - GENERALENERALENERALENERALENERAL I I I I INFERNFERNFERNFERNFERTILITYTILITYTILITYTILITYTILITY

AmherstThe Arbors at Amherst, 130 University Drive

Wednesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.,February 7, & March 7

Hamden/New Haven Area*held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month

Hamden Surgical Building, 2080 Whitney Ave.,Hamden Suite 250

Hamden, CTTuesdays, 7:00 p.m.

January 9, February 13, March 13, & April 10

SSSSSPECIALPECIALPECIALPECIALPECIAL E E E E EDUCADUCADUCADUCADUCATIONALTIONALTIONALTIONALTIONAL P P P P PRRRRROGRAMOGRAMOGRAMOGRAMOGRAM - B - B - B - B - BEYONDEYONDEYONDEYONDEYOND I I I I INFERNFERNFERNFERNFERTILITYTILITYTILITYTILITYTILITY


These meetings arThese meetings arThese meetings arThese meetings arThese meetings are all held in our We all held in our We all held in our We all held in our We all held in our Waltham Chapter Office, 395 Taltham Chapter Office, 395 Taltham Chapter Office, 395 Taltham Chapter Office, 395 Taltham Chapter Office, 395 Totten Potten Potten Potten Potten Pond Rd., Suite 403, Wond Rd., Suite 403, Wond Rd., Suite 403, Wond Rd., Suite 403, Wond Rd., Suite 403, Walthamalthamalthamalthamaltham

MMMMMASSAASSAASSAASSAASSACHUSETTSCHUSETTSCHUSETTSCHUSETTSCHUSETTS - P - P - P - P - PEEREEREEREEREER D D D D DISCUSSIONISCUSSIONISCUSSIONISCUSSIONISCUSSION G G G G GRRRRROUPSOUPSOUPSOUPSOUPS - T - T - T - T - TOPICOPICOPICOPICOPIC-O-O-O-O-ORIENTEDRIENTEDRIENTEDRIENTEDRIENTED

Beyond Infertility: What’s Next?: Saturday, March 24, 2007, 12:30 - 5:00 pmLasell College Yamawaki Center Auditorium, Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466*

Pursuing infertility treatment has many decision points. Perhaps you are in the middle of treatment and want to “look ahead” at youroptions. Perhaps you are thinking about ending treatment and want to explore the alternatives.

This program will present the many key decision making steps and information that will guide you in considering your options. Do youcontinue or end infertility treatment, or pursue other options such as adoption, egg donation, or child-free living? Join us to meet peoplewho have made these choices and learn the strategies they used to make decisions and move forward. Please note that this programoffers information on the emotional, ethical and decision points of each choice and does not focus on the “How-tos” of each option.

Session 1, 12:30pm - 1:50pm: To Continue or End Infertility Treatment? Learn how to decide whether to continue or stopinfertility treatment, and how to create rituals for grieving and move on to another path. This session includes an overview of youroptions after treatment ends: living child-free, adoption or egg donation. With Ellen Glazer, LICSW. Ellen Glazer is an author andtherapist specializing in infertility, end of treatment decision-making, adoption and egg donation. She is a co-author of her most recentbook “Having Your Baby Through Egg Donation” and author of several other books on infertility and parenting after infertility.

Break, 1:50pm - 2:00pm

Session 2, 2:00pm - 3:20pm: The Adoption Option; The focus will be on how to make the “emotional leap” to adoption and thingsto think about when considering this choice. This session includes a brief overview of each type of adoption; domestic and international.Learn from the experiences of a panel of adoptive parents. With Sandra Ornstein, LICSW and a panel of parents. Sandra, of AdoptionAssociates, has over 25 years of experience as an adoption counselor and therapist working with people impacted by infertility andadoption. She is also an author of several adoption related articles and also works with adopted teens and their parents.

Break, 3:20 pm - 3:30pm

Session 3, 3:30pm - 4:50 pm: The Egg Donation Option; An overview of emotional and ethical issues to consider when choosingegg donation as a way to build your family. Issues to be addressed are: the considerations of using a known, anonymous donor, thechild’s right to know about his/her origins, when and how to talk about their conception, who to tell and how to tell others about thisfamily building choice. With Nancy Docktor, RNCS of Fertility Centers of New England and a panel of parents through egg donation.Nancy is an experienced infertility counselor and specializes in egg donation counseling for recipients and egg donors.

* Note: The Yamawaki Center is at the intersection of Myrtle Street and Grove Street., across from the Williams Elementary School.

Pre-registration is strongly recommended. A registration form will be available on our website and from our office. RESOLVE member fees: $65 individual, $105 couple; non-member fees: $85 individual, $170 couple.


This group will focus on support and acceptance for individualswho have experienced miscarriage /stillbirth/ectopic pregnancy/recurrent pregnancy loss. Come and talk with others about theimpact of loss on all aspects of life, the emotional andpsychological experiences of grief and loss, coping strategies,decision making, and how to move forward.

Pregnancy Loss Discussion Group

Wednesdays, February 7 & March 217:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Are you considering donor egg as a way to build a family? Areyou in the process of donor egg or parenting children throughegg donation? Join us for an open discussion of the issues,decisions, and emotions surrounding this family buildingoption. This group will be led by Cara Birrittieri, a mom throughdonor egg who has just authored a book that discusses donoregg.

Donor Egg Discussion Group

Mondays, January 29 & February 267:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Join us for an open discussion led by an adoptive mom. Bringyour questions, concerns, and ideas to be shared with otherswho are exploring adoption or are in the process of adopting.Find some answers and strategies and connect with others.

Adoption Discussion Group

Thursday, March 87:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Secondary Infertility Discussion Group

Tuesdays, January 23 & March 207:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Coping with infertility while parenting? The struggles andfrustrations of secondary infertility are unique. Join otherswho understand the challenges.

EEEEEVENTSVENTSVENTSVENTSVENTS C C C C CALENDALENDALENDALENDALENDARARARARARKEYKEYKEYKEYKEY::::: EP: Educational Programs SS: Seminar Series

GID: General Infertility Discussion Group TDG: Topic-Oriented Discussion Group

Massachusetts InsuranceCall-in Hours:

Call 781-890-2225 on the dates indicatedto get your questions answered live.

Insurance Call-in on Tuesdays,January 23 & March 67:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Having difficulty getting insurancecoverage for your doctor’s recommendedtreatment plan? Need help framing anappeal letter to your insurance company?Want to know what the Massachusettsmandate covers? Call for consultationwith our Insurance Advocate, MarymicheleDelaney.

Fees: FREE to RESOLVE members, orjoin RESOLVE over the phone with yourcredit card.

Professionally LedSupport Groups

♦♦♦♦♦Women’s Primary Infertility Group♦♦♦♦♦Women’s Secondary Infertility Group♦♦♦♦♦Donor Egg Group

Fees: $25 per person, $40 per couple, permeeting. RESOLVE membership required.You can print out, complete, and mail orfax us the support group application on ourwebsite.

CT members interested in a futureprofessionally led support group shouldcall 603-523-8337 or [email protected]

6 www.resolveofthebaystate.org www.resolveofgreaterhartford.org WWWWWINTERINTERINTERINTERINTER 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007

January 2007January 2007January 2007January 2007January 200717 Wednesday EP – Ask the Nurse: Questions you Can’t/Won’t

Ask Your Doctor18 Thursday GID - Stoughton, MA18 Thursday GID - Farmington, CT20 Saturday SS – Adoption Decision Making Series – #1 & 223 Tuesday TDG - Secondary Infertility23 Tuesday Insurance Call-in Hours25 Thursday GID - Worcester, MA27 Saturday SS – Adoption Decision Making Series – #3 & 429 Monday TDG - Donor Egg

February 2007February 2007February 2007February 2007February 20077 Wednesday GID - Amherst, MA7 Wednesday TDG - Pregnancy Loss13 Tuesday GID - Waltham, MA13 Tuesday GID - Hamden, CT15 Thursday GID - Stoughton, MA15 Thursday GID - Farmington, CT21 Wednesday GID - Worcester, MA26 Monday TDG - Donor Egg28 Wednesday EP – Low Ovarian Reserve and Treatment

of Poor Responders

March 2007March 2007March 2007March 2007March 20076 Tuesday What Every Adoptive Parent Should Know - Keys

to Understanding Your Child6 Tuesday Insurance Call-in Hours7 Wednesday GID - Amherst, MA8 Thursday TDG - Adoption13 Tuesday GID - Waltham, MA13 Tuesday GID - Hamden, CT15 Thursday GID - Stoughton, MA15 Thursday GID - Farmington, CT20 Tuesday TDG - Secondary Infertility21 Wednesday TDG - Pregnancy Loss21 Wednesday GID - Worcester, MA24 Saturday EP - Beyond Infertility: What’s Next?

April 2007April 2007April 2007April 2007April 200710 Tuesday GID - Hamden, CT19 Thursday GID - Farmington, CT

TTTTTHEHEHEHEHE I I I I IMPORMPORMPORMPORMPORTTTTTANCEANCEANCEANCEANCE OFOFOFOFOF M M M M MINDFULNESSINDFULNESSINDFULNESSINDFULNESSINDFULNESS, C, C, C, C, CONTONTONTONTONT.....


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carton out of the freezer, and set it on the counter. Open thecarton, scoop out a spoonful, and eat it, paying closeattention to every sensory detail—the sound of the lid comingoff the container, the ice cream’s coldness on your tongue,its flavor and sweetness and smoothness in your mouth, itschange in texture as it softens and melts. Try to extract asmuch sensory pleasure as possible from the experience.

Practice that same mindfulness with ordinary activitiesthroughout the day. When you make yourself a cup of tea,pay close attention to the smell of the tea bag, the sound ofthe water pouring into the cup, the warmth of the cup inyour hands, the deep brownish-orange color of the brew.Notice the smell of your husband’s aftershave, the crackleof your breakfast cereal, the feel of the woolly mittens youpull onto your hands, the rumble of the subway you ride towork. My patient Kerry focused on a tree.

I was very mindful this spring of goingto bed with my window shades up sothat the first thing I would see when Iwoke up was my dogwood tree inbloom. For two weeks, every morningwas fantastic because I would roll overand there was my beautiful tree, and itwas all I could see.

Mindfulness extends beyond what you hear, taste, and smell,however. Being mindful of the small pleasures in life canextend to people, places, and situations. Try being awareof what makes you happy in your life—your relationshipwith your brother, volunteer work that fulfills you, your sunnybackyard. Appreciating these gifts can expand your scopeand put infertility into a less hurtful perspective.

Among the most useful mindful activities are mindful walks.These can be a wonderful way to secure yourself in thepresent moment, and they are a particularly helpful activityfor infertile women. They are pleasurable, relaxing,emotionally energizing, and an effective way to take yourmind away from worries and anxieties.

How to Take a Mindful Walk

• Choose the most pleasant route you can think of—a pathway by a reservoir, a trail through a park, aboardwalk along the ocean.

• Walk slowly, fully experiencing the sensations ofwalking one step at a time.

• Focus on allowing each of your senses to take inthe surroundings. Smell the aroma of grass, ocean

Continued from Page 1


TTTTTHEHEHEHEHE I I I I IMPORMPORMPORMPORMPORTTTTTANCEANCEANCEANCEANCE OFOFOFOFOF M M M M MINDFULNESSINDFULNESSINDFULNESSINDFULNESSINDFULNESS, C, C, C, C, CONTONTONTONTONT.....Continued from Page 7


mist, or whatever scents waft by. Notice the sights oftrees, flowers, and people. Really listen to the sounds ofbirds chirping, branches rustling, your feet crunching oncrispy fall leaves. Notice the feeling of your feet landingrhythmically on the pavement or gravel.

• If negative thoughts intrude on your awareness, gentlyreturn to your focus on the sensations of walking and thesights, sounds, and smells around you. When thesethoughts intrude, don’t judge yourself, just nudge themaway and return to your sensory exploration of the worldaround you.

• Walk for as long as you like, but don’t think of this as anexercise walk. Leave your Walkman and your heart-ratemonitor at home, and focus only on the sensations aroundyou.

How to Practice Mindful Meditation to Elicit the RelaxationResponse

• Begin by focusing on your breathing. You may wish touse a focus word or phrase, but it is not necessary. If youdon’t, just focus on the sensations of your breathing—your belly as it rises and falls, the air as it enters yournostrils and leaves your mouth.

• If you notice that thoughts, worries, hopes, fears, andfantasies keep appearing, don’t worry. That is a naturalprocess. As you sit in stillness, your body in a state ofquiet and relaxation, watch each thought as it comes andgoes. Be mindful of the process of thinking. Notice howthe thoughts are always subtly shifting, moving, dissolving.

• When you notice that you’ve been carried away in astream of thoughts, observe that this has happened.Without judging yourself, gently turn your awareness toyour breath, allowing your breath consciousness to be inthe foreground and your thoughts in the background. Thebreath is the most natural way to center yourself and beanchored in the present moment.

• For the remaining time, keep your breathing in theforeground of your consciousness. To the best of yourability, keep whatever else may arise—sensations in thebody, thoughts in the mind, sounds in the environment—in the background. If they do intrude, don’t struggle withthem. Rather, be aware of them and simply return to yourbreathing.

• As you complete your mindfulness meditation, slowlybring your awareness back to your surroundings.

One of the goals of these exercises is to become comfortable enoughwith mindfulness that you can easily bring it into other parts of yourday—time spent at work, with friends and family, even driving inthe car. Mindfulness allows you to experience the joy of smallmoments even when you are continually stressed by larger events.Rediscovering the happiness of everyday activities can help remindyou that although you have one enormous stressor in your life—infertility—there are still many smaller things that can bring youpleasure.

Alice D. Domar, PhD, is a pioneer in the application of mind/body medicine to women’s health issues. She has conductedresearch on infertility, breast cancer, menopausal symptoms,ovarian cancer, and premenstrual syndrome, earning aninternational reputation as one of the country’s top women’shealth experts. She is the founder and executive director ofthe Domar Center for Complementary Healthcare. For moreinformation go to www.domarcenter.com or call 781-434-6578.

“A Toolbox Full of Coping Skills”, from CONQUERINGINFERTILITY by Alice D. Domar and Alice Lesch Kelly,copyright © 2002 by Alice D. Domar. Used by permission ofViking Penguin, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.



CCCCCONSIDERINGONSIDERINGONSIDERINGONSIDERINGONSIDERING E E E E EGGGGGGGGGG D D D D DONAONAONAONAONATIONTIONTIONTIONTION? H? H? H? H? HEREEREEREEREERE’’’’’SSSSS H H H H HOWOWOWOWOW O O O O ONENENENENE C C C C COUPLEOUPLEOUPLEOUPLEOUPLE M M M M MADEADEADEADEADE ITITITITIT W W W W WORKORKORKORKORK

Considering Egg Donation? HerConsidering Egg Donation? HerConsidering Egg Donation? HerConsidering Egg Donation? HerConsidering Egg Donation? Here’e’e’e’e’s How Ones How Ones How Ones How Ones How OneCouple Made it WCouple Made it WCouple Made it WCouple Made it WCouple Made it WorkorkorkorkorkBy Elizabeth Swire Falker, Esq.

Continues on Page 10

Through the gift(s) provided by an egg donor, many infertile womenare now able to experience pregnancy: sharing their thoughts,feelings, blood supply and the sound of their voice with their baby,and delivering their child into the world. The success rates offeredby many egg donation programs are staggering, making this a verypopular option in modern family building.

Egg donation is often so successful that many can potentially buildan entire family from one egg donation cycle. Of course not everyegg donation results in a pregnancy, but more often than not acarefully selected donor not only leads to the birth of a child, butthere are extra embryos frozen for future family building.

Let us consider Naomi,1 and her experience with egg donation.Naomi is in her early forties and after several failed IVF cycles,Naomi’s doctors told her that her best chances for becoming amother were through egg donation or adoption. Naomi wanted toexperience pregnancy, and so chose to pursue egg donation.

After doing her research, Naomi decided to work with an eggdonation agency, rather than using her clinic’s in-house program.While some clinics are very flexible, Naomi found she had moreoptions when using an egg donation agency. By working with anagency Naomi had greater flexibility in choosing her donor, didn’thave to share eggs with another infertile family, and would havegreater control over her finances. Because she was on a tightbudget, most of the agencies she spoke with encouraged Naomito select a donor who lived near the clinic she would be using, thusavoiding substantial travel expenses. Using an agency, Naomi alsohad a greater selection of donors with compensation rates to fither budget, compared with the fixed rates offered by most clinics.

One donor Naomi considered (we’ll call her Amy2), was twenty-six years old, single, had near perfect SAT scores, attended an IvyLeague college, graduated at the top of her class and was attendingmedical school. Despite Amy’s outstanding academic credentials(which often result in higher compensation rate), Amy’s rate waswithin the lower end of the Society for Assisted ReproductiveTechnologies’ (SART)3 guidelines of $4,000 -$7,000 per donation.Amy also visibly resembled Naomi; Amy seemed like the perfectdonor.

Amy, however, had no track record donating eggs. Naomi andher partner instead decided to match with “Beth.” While Beth alsowas twenty-six, had high SAT scores and had attended college,she was married, and had two-and-half year old twins and a oneyear old baby. Beth was clearly fertile and thus would likelyrespond well to medication, which made her a better candidate.Beth was requesting the same compensation as had Amy ($5,000)and lived near Naomi’s clinic.

Once Naomi and her partner selected Beth as their donor, Naomi’segg donation agency presented them with a list of attorneys tohelp prepare their egg donation agreement, and it arranged forBeth to be represented by separate counsel in connection with thenegotiation and drafting of their agreement. The egg donationagreement is a critical aspect of your egg donation. All partiesshould be represented by independent counsel. Your agreementwill protect your rights as parents and govern your relationshipwith your donor for years to come. You should have the right toselect your own attorney, and I strongly caution you to make surethat the attorney you do use is an experienced reproductive lawyer.

Each egg donation agreement is unique; some agreements providefor complete disclosure of names and addresses and others arecompletely anonymous. Whatever your comfort level or that ofyour donor may be regarding future contact, please consider thatyour agreement should ensure that you could contact your donorin case of a future medical emergency. Among other things, youregg donation agreement should specify your rights to utilize and/ordispose of the eggs/embryos created from the cycle, require that



CCCCCONSIDERINGONSIDERINGONSIDERINGONSIDERINGONSIDERING E E E E EGGGGGGGGGG D D D D DONAONAONAONAONATIONTIONTIONTIONTION? H? H? H? H? HEREEREEREEREERE’’’’’SSSSS H H H H HOWOWOWOWOW O O O O ONENENENENE C C C C COUPLEOUPLEOUPLEOUPLEOUPLE M M M M MADEADEADEADEADE ITITITITIT W W W W WORKORKORKORKORK., C., C., C., C., CONTONTONTONTONT.....Continued from Page 9

your donor follow medical directions, and explicitly state what happens if your donor breaches your agreement.

Within four months of the time Naomi initially contacted the agency, Naomi, Beth and their respective partners had negotiated theiragreement and their cycle got underway. Beth produced seventeen eggs of which fifteen fertilized. Naomi conceived a beautiful baby girlon the first embryo transfer and when Naomi’s daughter was about a year old, Naomi and her partner went back and did a frozenembryo transfer; this time conceiving twin girls!

Elizabeth Swire Falker is an attorney practicing in the areas of reproductive and adoption law in New Rochelle, NY. She is theauthor of The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Adoption (Warner Books, November 2006), from which this article is adapted, andThe Infertility Survival Handbook (Riverhead, 2004). Danielle Bifulci, JD, who assisted in the preparation of this article, is anattorney working in Ms. Swire Falker’s office. For more information, you may visit the website www.storklawyer.com.

(Notes)1 Naomi is a combination of several of my clients, a fictitious character created for purposes of this article to help demonstrate atypical egg donation process from a more “real life” perspective.2 Names have been changed to protect people’s privacy.3 SART is an organization which, among other things, establishes ethical and regulatory guidelines that many clinics and agencies agreeto comply with. For more information, visit their website, www.sart.org.


The Road Less TThe Road Less TThe Road Less TThe Road Less TThe Road Less Travravravravraveledeledeledeledeled


The Road Less TThe Road Less TThe Road Less TThe Road Less TThe Road Less TravravravravraveledeledeledeledeledBy A RESOLVE Member

In October 2001, shortly after the horrible events of September 11th,my husband and I decided we were ready to start our family. I didn’tknow anyone who lost their life that tragic day. I did know people wholost friends and relatives. The stories of everyday people left to carryon without loved ones made me reprioritize. I had been working hardon my career for the last 15 years, getting a master’s degree, workinglong hours, earning promotions and traveling extensively for business.It felt like it was the right time to focus more on home and less onwork.

I bought a book on getting pregnant, starting charting my basaltemperature readings and off we went. I hoped to be one of the luckyfew that conceived in the first month and we would have exciting newsto share with our families when we visited for the Christmas holiday.This was not to be, but I was not discouraged. I knew the statistics. Iwas over 35 and my menstrual cycles had started to become irregular.It could take time.

In the fall of 2002, still unsuccessful, I went to the doctor for my annualgynecological exam. My gynecologist offered to prescribe clomid orgive me a referral to a specialist. I opted for the specialist and kepttrying as we waited for our appointment with a ReproductiveEndocrinologist. After several appointments with the RE and a batteryof tests for my husband and me the verdict was in . . .premature ovarianfailure. My FSH level was high and my cycles were coming less andless frequently. The recommended treatment was go straight to IVFwith egg donation.

I was heart broken, but only for a while. I was determined to beat thediagnosis. Off I went . . . back to the bookstore and research on theweb. Plenty of women conceived spontaneously at my age even with ahigh FSH. Maybe not a high percentage, but still some did and I wouldwork hard to be one of them. There was nothing I didn’t try. I becamea patient of alternative providers who specialized in fertility enhancementin the fields of chiropractic, acupuncture, nutrition, yoga and naturopathy.I did so much research on vitamins and herbal supplements that mynaturopath asked if she could hire me. I attended the fertile heart andthe mind body programs for infertility patients. I used an ovulationmonitor. I reduced my travel and workload. On and on it went with noresults for another one-and-a-half years after seeing the specialist inDecember 2002.

In the spring of 2004, it happened. Spontaneously! I was pregnant.My RE monitored me. At six weeks we saw and heard the heartbeatand I was released to my OB. At 11 weeks I went in for a check-upand the ultrasound showed no heartbeat. Measurements indicated theembryo died at about 7 weeks. I was devastated. My husband had tocome get me at the doctor’s office. I missed two weeks of work. Iwasn’t sure at that time how I would carry on. I could not wait anothertwo-and-a-half years for a second miracle pregnancy.

After a very sad period in my life, I realized all I really wantedwas a child. It no longer mattered how this child came to me.I wanted it and I had to give up some control to get it. Westarted screening egg donors and found one that was greatfor us three months after the miscarriage.

In the fall of 2004, our embryo transfer went smoothly and Ifollowed all of the recommendations of my RE. The day beforeleaving for our Christmas holiday, I had a second ultrasoundat 8 weeks and everything looked great. Then we had theChristmas that I dreamed about 3 years earlier. We told ourfamilies that we were pregnant with twins. It was not exactlyhow I thought we would get there. But we were there and Ilearned valuable lessons. Things don’t always go as plannedand you are not always in control. But for me, there was aroad to happiness and fulfillment. I just had to open my mindand my heart to this path.

A few women have asked me if I felt odd during the pregnancyor now as a mother of two children conceived using donoreggs. I am forever grateful for the generous gift I have beengiven. But there is nothing odd about it. I am their mom. Theyare my children.



DDDDDONORONORONORONORONOR E E E E EGGGGGGGGGG I I I I INFORMANFORMANFORMANFORMANFORMATIONTIONTIONTIONTION P P P P PAAAAACKETCKETCKETCKETCKET - N - N - N - N - NOWOWOWOWOW A A A A AVVVVVAILABLEAILABLEAILABLEAILABLEAILABLE

RESOLVE of the Bay State offers a DONOR EGG INFORMATION PACKET for anyone who is considering donoregg as a family building option. We have researched helpful materials and compiled information from a variety ofsources to save anyone interested in this topic much time and energy. This comprehensive packet includes a booklet,“Building your Family Through Egg Donation,” and articles on the many aspects of donor egg.

Some examples of information contained in the articles:

• the medical aspects of donor egg • legal issues• deciding between adoption and egg donation • questions to ask donor egg agencies• questions to ask egg donors • issues for couples to consider• resources for books and tapes on egg donation • donor egg decision making issues• talking to children about their origins

To purchase the packet, you can use the order form on our website, available at this address:www.resolveofthebaystate.org/donoreggorderform.html. Or you can email our office and request that we mail you apacket with an invoice at [email protected]. The cost is $20 for members; $25 for non-members.

Also available from RESOLVE of the Bay State:• Adoption Beginner’s Packet ($10 members; $12.50 nonmembers)

• Insurance Information Packet ($5 members: $7 nonmembers)Ordering information: Use the order form on our website, or email [email protected]

and request that we mail you a packet with an invoice.

Below is one sample article from the Donor Egg packet:

General Issues for Couples to ConsiderBy Patricia Irwin JohnstonFrom her book, Taking Charge of Infertility, published by Perspectives Press. Reprinted with permission.

When making choices about using any kind of third party assistance, keep in mind that in choosing to bring into your family a child whoshares a genetic connection with only one of his social parents, you are making a choice with the potential to throw the relationship intodisequilibrium. Make sure that you and your partner have discussed and made decisions about these factors:

1. Each partner and the two of you as a couple must deal with the loss of your jointly conceived child. This needsspecific acknowledgement and discussion. Make no decisions until you have had time to mourn the loss of thechild you would have liked to create together.

2. Have you both acknowledged this as an alternative choice rather that as a medical treatment? This does not curethe infertility of the partner not genetically related to the child, though it does end the childlessness.

3. Have you discussed the ongoing impact of the fertile partner’s gain in choosing this option (genetic connection) onthe self-esteem of the infertile partner (who experiences the permanent loss of genetic continuity and connectionto this child)? How might this affect the balance in the parenting relationship? Have you agreed on how to dealwith this both now and in the future?

4. Are you certain that the decision has been made positively, rather than conceded to by a guilty-feeling infertilepartner?

5. Is this a morally acceptable choice to both of you? Some religions, including Roman Catholic and OrthodoxJudaism, have specific prohibitions against collaborative reproduction. Often these prohibitions are related tobeliefs about what constitutes adultery. Our personal ethics have been established over many years, and it isimportant that each partner feels equally comfortable with the ethics of the family-building choice selected.

6. Will you tell others? Will you tell the child? If yes, have you decided how and when? If no, have you thoroughlyexamined the ongoing burden on relationships of maintaining such a weighty secret?

While it is possible to pursue most of these options without being “approved” or being required to see a counselor, please don’t shortchangeyourselves or your growing family by skipping this step. Choosing a third party option has long-term consequences for both parentingpartners and for the children so conceived, and therefore deserves especially careful examination and preparation. In many cities, RESOLVEsupport groups or a well qualified mental health professional, running either private groups or one-on-one counseling, can be helpfulresources for couples examining collaborative reproduction options.


AAAAANNUALNNUALNNUALNNUALNNUAL C C C C CONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCE 2006 W 2006 W 2006 W 2006 W 2006 WRAPRAPRAPRAPRAP-U-U-U-U-UPPPPP


New England Infertility and Family Building Conference2006 Wrap-UpBy Rebecca Lubens, Executive Director

This year’s annual conference continued our goal of reaching out to the entire New England region, and the outcome wasa notable success. I am pleased to report that we welcomed presenters from Connecticut and Rhode Island as well asMassachusetts and drew attendees from throughout New England. We also were fortunate to present the conference intandem with the terrific volunteers from RESOLVE of Greater Hartford, CT, who not only devoted hours to pre-conferenceplanning, but also staffed our conference bookstore and ran a very successful raffle!

Almost 200 attendees turned out on a very rainy Sunday to gather information and get their questions answered in acomfortable and compassionate environment. As in past years, we offered 47 workshops on topics of perennial interest,as well as new sessions on navigating IVF from the patient’s perspective, the power of contemplation, and talking withbirthparents. Our 36 exhibitors actively shared their services, information, and products with attendees and providedmuch-needed financial support for our event.

I want to express my deepest thanks to all those who helped make this important event possible: to our presenters, fortheir enthusiastic willingness to offer their time and share their expertise – with special thanks to Kristen and MarkMagnacca, for sharing their wisdom and compassion in an inspiring keynote address; to our exhibitors and supporters fortheir continued backing for the work of RESOLVE of the Bay State – with special thanks to Conference Sponsors OrganonUSA and Serono; to the many volunteers who offered countless hours before and during the conference to tasks large andsmall – with a very special thanks to Adoption Track chair Sarah Summers, for all of their hard work, and last but neverleast, to our talented and dedicated staff, especially Lisa Rothstein, Erika Maggio, and Lynn Yogel. We couldn’t have doneit without the commitment and enthusiasm of all of you! See you next year.



A Special Thank You to our Conference Sponsors:Organon USASerono, Inc.

A Special Thank You to our Breakfast Sponsor:Ferring Pharmaceuticals

Thank You to our Sponsoring Exhibitors:Boston IVF

Harvard Vanguard Medical AssociatesMGH Fertility Center

New England Cryogenic Center, Inc.

CCCCCONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCE 2006 E 2006 E 2006 E 2006 E 2006 EXHIBITXHIBITXHIBITXHIBITXHIBITORSORSORSORSORS

“M“M“M“M“MOOOOOVINGVINGVINGVINGVING F F F F FORWORWORWORWORWARDARDARDARDARD” ” ” ” ” AFTERAFTERAFTERAFTERAFTER I I I I INFERNFERNFERNFERNFERTILITYTILITYTILITYTILITYTILITY

Acupuncture Associates ofFraminghamFramingham, MAAdoption AssociatesNewton, MAAdoption Community of NewEngland, Inc.Holliston, MAAdoption ResourcesWaltham, MAAdoptions with LoveNewton, MAAlliance for Children, Inc.Wellesley, MAAngel AdoptionsWaltham, MABaystate Reproductive MedicineSpringfield, MABoston IVFWaltham, MACardone Reproductive Medicine &InfertilityStoneham, MACenter for Advanced ReproductiveServicesFarmington, CTChildren of the WorldNorth Grafton, MA

China Adoption with LoveBrookline, MACircle SurrogacyBoston, MADept. of Social Services, MetroAdoption Recruitment UnitArlington, MADream Donations, Inc.Newton Highlands, MAEuropean Adoption Consultants,Inc.Strongsville, OHFerring Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Suffern, NYFertility Centers of New EnglandReading, MAFertility YogaAndover, MAThe FORT-T TrialLebanon, NHFreedom Fertility PharmacyByfield, MAFriends in AdoptionMiddletown Springs, VTFull Circle AdoptionsNorthampton, MA

Harvard Vanguard MedicalAssociatesBoston, MALutheran Social ServicesWorcester, MAMGH Fertility CenterBoston, MANew England CryogenicCenter, Inc.Newton, MARobert Nichols, Esq., PCNorwood, MAOrganon USARoseland, NJProspective FamiliesWellesley, MAReproductive Science CenterLexington, MASerono, Inc.Rockland, MASoutheastern AdoptionServicesMarion, MAVillage Fertility PharmacyWaltham, MAWhole Person HealthStoughton, MA

CCCCCONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCE 2006 S 2006 S 2006 S 2006 S 2006 SPONSORSPONSORSPONSORSPONSORSPONSORS


Marla Allisan JD, LICSWFull Circle Adoptions

Rachel Ashby, MDBrigham and Women’s Hospital

Beverly Baccelli, LICSWSoutheastern Adoption Services

Claudio Benadiva, MDUniversity of Connecticut

Brian Berger, MDBoston IVF

Merle Bombardieri, LICSWWellspring Counseling Center

Joan Clark, MEdAdoption Community of New England, Inc.

Amy Cohen, LICSWAdoptions with Love

Liz Coolidge, LMHCFenway Community Health Center

Susan Crockin, EsqPrivate Practice

Dawn DavenportAttorney and author

Marymichele DelaneyPrincipal, Delaney Consulting

Amy Demma, JDPrincipal, Prospective Families

Geoff and Eileen DePaulaRoot and Branch Oriental Medicine

Nancy Docktor, RNCSFertility Centers of New England

Alice D. Domar, PhDDomar Center for Complementary Health Care, Boston IVF

Dale Eldridge, LICSW, BCDAdoption Choices

Andrew Geller, PhDRESOLVE of the Bay State

Isaac Glatstein, MDReproductive Science Center

Ellen Glazer, LICSWPrivate Practice, author

Karen Greenberg, Atty. at LawKonowitz & Greenberg

Kathryn Go, PhDReproductive Science Center

R. Ian Hardy, MD, PhDFertility Centers of New England

Suki Hanfling MSW, LICSW,AASECT

Institute for Sexuality and Intimacy

Betsy Hochberg, LICSWAdoption Resources

Marcus Jurema, MDWomen & Infants Hospital of R.I.

Leslee Kagan, NPMind/Body Medical Institute

Adele Kauffman, PhDReproductive Science Center

Carol Lesser, NPBoston IVF

Susan Levin, LICSWReproductive Science Center

Lisa Lovett, MSW, LICSWWide Horizons for Children

Paula Mackin, Atty. at LawPrivate Practice

Kristen and Mark MagnaccaInsight Development Group, Inc.

Patricia McShane, MDReproductive Science Center

Laurie Miller, MDFloating Hospital for Children

Monica Morell, PhDDeveloper, Fertility Yoga DVD/

Video

William Mueller, Lic Ac, Dipl AcCambridge Health Associates

Lynn Nichols, LICSW, BCDBoston IVF

CCCCCONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCE 2006 S 2006 S 2006 S 2006 S 2006 SPEAKERSPEAKERSPEAKERSPEAKERSPEAKERS

Robert Nichols, EsqEgg Donation and Surrogacy

Robert Oates, MDBoston Medical Center

Charles Obasiolu, MDHarvard Vanguard Medical

Associates

Debra Olshever, LCSW, LMHC,MEd

Adoption Associates

Selwyn Oskowitz, MDBoston IVF

Nancy Rosenhaus, LICSWAdoptions with Love

Lynette Scott, PhD, HCLDFertility Centers of New England

Deb Shrier, MSW, LCSWWide Horizons for Children

Deborah Silverstein, LICSWFocus Counseling

Holly Simons, PhD, LICSWPrivate Practice

Irene Souter, MDMass. General Hospital

Serene Srouji, MDBrigham and Women’s Hospital

Sarah SummersChair, RESOLVE of the Bay StateAdoption Committee

Carol ThompsonReproductive Science Center

Robert M. Weiss, MDabout:konqueror

John Weltman, EsqCircle Surrogacy

Halina Wiczyk, MDBaystate Reproductive Medicine

Raquel Woodard, LICSW, BCDAdoption Choices


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Ask the Greater Hartford REAsk the Greater Hartford REAsk the Greater Hartford REAsk the Greater Hartford REAsk the Greater Hartford RE

I have had a rising FSH level anywhere from 7 - 13. Whatdo you think about waiting to cycle in a month where myFSH is in a better range (under 10)? Does it really make adifference in egg quantity and quality?By Claudio A. Benadiva, M.D.IVF Laboratory Director, The Center for AdvancedReproductive ServicesUniversity of Connecticut Health Center

FSH is the follicle stimulating hormone, secreted by the pituitarygland to stimulate the growth of the ovarian follicles and produce amature egg every month. There is a constant interaction betweenthe developing follicles and the brain: as the follicles grow, theyproduce substances that inhibit the secretion of FSH. High FSHlevels usually indicate fewer follicles available in the ovaries. Forwomen with fluctuating FSH levels each cycle, it makes sense totry to start stimulation for IVF during a cycle when the FSH levelsare lower instead of higher. One would expect that the chance ofgetting more follicles to grow should be greater during the cyclewith a lower baseline FSH.

Interestingly, this theoretical fact has never been conclusivelydemonstrated in clinical trials. Our center is currently conductinga study to find out if indeed the results are better when stimulationis initiated with a lower FSH, when compared with a cycle in whichthe FSH was higher.

Most protocols for patients with high FSH will utilize a strategy tolower the FSH levels in an effort to synchronize follicular growth,using either birth control pills or “estrogen priming” during theprevious cycle. In those patients the baseline FSH is expected tobe lower because of the medications used, and therefore not asreliable.

The normal day #3 FSH is <10 mIU/ml. In your case, an FSH of13 is only slightly elevated, and probably not a reason to cancelthe cycle. Otherwise, it is common practice not to start stimulationwhen the baseline FSH is significantly elevated, primarily to avoidthe risk of cycle cancellation due to lack of response or the moretypical development of a single dominant follicle.

My doctor just tested my FSH. It came back at 9. I thoughtanything under 10 was considered “good.” My doctor toldme that because my E2 was 90, my FSH of 9 was not good. I am confused. What does this mean?By Shaun C. Williams, M.D.Board Certified, Reproductive Endocrinology and InfertilityConnecticut Fertility Associates

Although FSH levels are considered “normal” when less than 10,other factors are also used when evaluating a woman’s “ovarianreserve.” Ovarian reserve is a concept developed to try to helpunderstand how well the ovaries are functioning, and how efficientthe ovaries are at producing good eggs. A good egg is one thatleads to a pregnancy that is normal and is not affected by anychromosomal abnormalities.

We know that as a woman progresses past 35 years of age, eggquality decreases regardless of what the ovarian reserve testingshows, but those women who have elevations in the FSH levelmay be producing more poor quality eggs over a given time periodcompared to someone else the same age with a normal FSH. Inaddition to FSH, the estradiol level on cycle day 2 or 3 can bepredictive of egg quality, and the overall likelihood of producing agood egg more efficiently. Levels over 70 are considered elevated. Estradiol and FSH exhibit what is called “negative feedback.”Estradiol is produced by a growing follicle, and as estradiol rises,there is less need for FSH to stimulate the follicle to grow andleads to a lower FSH level. When estradiol is elevated on day 3,and the FSH level is <10, the concern is that the negative feedbackhas artificially lowered the FSH to a normal range. Even if theFSH levels are always in the normal range, the estradiol elevationsare concerning.

I understand that there is a new procedure being developedcalled IVM. Can you explain what it is and who arecandidates for this process?Andrea DiLuigi, MDSenior REI Fellow, The Center for Advanced ReproductiveServices

During a conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, eggs undergomaturation within the ovaries prior to egg retrieval. In vitromaturation (IVM) is the process of maturing immature eggs outsideof the body under culture conditions in the laboratory. The conceptof IVM was first described in 1935 by researchers who notedthat immature rabbit eggs could undergo spontaneous maturationand fertilization in the laboratory after removal from the ovary.IVM was later described in human eggs in 1965.

Over the last 40 years, many researchers have studied the processof IVM in human eggs. Early reports of IVM yielded pooroutcomes; implantation and pregnancy rates were far lower thanthose for standard IVF cycles. Advances in the basic sciencebehind this technology and adjustments to laboratory cultureconditions to meet the need of developing eggs have led tosubstantial improvements in this process. Despite these advances,many centers are still reporting suboptimal rates of egg maturationas well as decreased pregnancy rates and increased miscarriagerates in IVM cycles in comparison to standard IVF cycles.

17www.resolveofthebaystate.org www.resolveofgreaterhartford.orgWWWWWINTERINTERINTERINTERINTER 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007

Potential benefits of IVM include decreasing costs of an IVF cycleby reducing or eliminating injections of stimulating medications suchas follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and human menopausalgonadotropin (hMG), decreasing the risk of ovarianhyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and increasing the yield ofmature eggs from certain patient populations. Many of the clinicalstudies of IVM have focused on patients with polycystic ovariansyndrome (PCOS), as many of these women are at a significantlyincreased risk for OHSS and are therefore good candidates forIVM.

IVM has also been utilized in an attempt to increase the number ofmature eggs that are available for fertilization in patients who havehad a poor response to conventional IVF. Case reports ofpregnancies have been described in the literature, but the numberof live births resulting from IVM for this indication is relatively small.At most centers, IVM is currently not the treatment of choice forthis patient population.

Another patient population that could potentially benefit from thisprocedure is women with cancer who desire fertility preservation.After being diagnosed with cancer, women must often undergotreatment as soon as possible to increase their chances of survival.Some of the cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiationcan render women infertile. Undergoing a standard IVF cyclebefore cancer treatment is not always an ideal option because itmay delay treatment by several weeks or more and could potentiallyallow the cancer to spread. IVM is an especially attractive optionfor this patient population because women could undergo immediateretrieval of immature eggs without delaying cancer therapy. Matureeggs or embryos could then be frozen for subsequent use, enablingwomen with cancer to preserve their fertility without compromisingtheir health.

Although it is premature at this time to consider offering IVM as astandard procedure to all patients, this technology certainly holdsmuch promise. Perhaps IVM will someday enable patients toundergo IVF without using medication injections, thereby reducingcosts, discomfort, and risks associated with this procedure. Whenall aspects of this technology are perfected, IVM will likely be ofsubstantial benefit to many patients in the future.

What age is considered “too old” for a woman to try infertilitytreatments with her own eggs?By Shaun C. Williams, M.D.Board Certified, Reproductive Endocrinology and InfertilityConnecticut Fertility Associates

A woman’s reproductive lifespan is from the onset of menses tothe onset of menopause. The complete loss of egg production andthus ovarian function occurs at age 52 on average. Prior to thattime, egg quality begins to decrease at least by age 35, possibly

even sooner. After 40, there is a sharp decline in both the numberof eggs available to begin to grow each month, as well as the qualityof those eggs. Unfortunately, some women in the late 30’s andeven early 40’s may be ovulating each month, but the number ofeggs being released that can actually lead to a normal pregnancy isvery low. However, it does just take the release of one good qualityegg in the appropriate circumstances to lead to pregnancy – it seemswe all know of someone who has had their last child past the ageof 45. These events just don’t happen very often. As egg quality diminishes, reproductive endocrinologists are verylimited in what can be done to increase the possibility of pregnancy.IVF, which is the most successful treatment available to help acouple achieve pregnancy per each month attempt, is not verysuccessful after the age of 43. It can happen, but the chances areextremely low. The other treatments that are available can give awoman more opportunities to release a good quality egg bystimulating several eggs to grow each month using potent stimulationmedications which can be expensive. Any treatment that canincrease the number of eggs released can give a woman a betterchance to be pregnant, but success remains limited. So there is noage above which a woman can’t get pregnant prior to menopause– which treatments are best depend on a couple’s expectations forsuccess, cost, and many times, what a couple feels they need to tryto believe they have given themselves the best possible chance toachieve pregnancy, before considering other methods that do notinvolve the use of one’s own eggs.

Professional Members

RESOLVE of Greater Hartford would like toacknowledge the support of the

following Professional Members:

Aydin Arici, MD

Linda Chaffkin, MD

Beth Cooper, PhD

Matthew G. Ely, MD

Andrea Gendrachi

Richard Kates, MD

Donald Maier, MD

Center for AdvancedReproductive Services

GGGGGREAREAREAREAREATERTERTERTERTER H H H H HARARARARARTFORDTFORDTFORDTFORDTFORD C C C C CHAPTERHAPTERHAPTERHAPTERHAPTER I I I I INFORMANFORMANFORMANFORMANFORMATIONTIONTIONTIONTION, C, C, C, C, CONTONTONTONTONT.....

HHHHHIGHLIGHTSIGHLIGHTSIGHLIGHTSIGHLIGHTSIGHLIGHTS FRFRFRFRFROMOMOMOMOM THETHETHETHETHE ASRM A ASRM A ASRM A ASRM A ASRM ANNUALNNUALNNUALNNUALNNUAL M M M M MEETINGEETINGEETINGEETINGEETING


Is Compensation Coercive in the Recruitment of EggDonors?Compensation for egg donors has been the subject of muchdebate. Almost all professionals working with egg donorsagree that compensation for the donors’ time, effort anddiscomfort is appropriate. However, the amount ofcompensation is variable depending on clinic policies,regional differences, and the involvement of agencies, andopinions differ as to the appropriate amount. ASRM’sEthics Committee advises that sums over $5,000 requirejustification and compensation of more than $10,000 goesbeyond what is appropriate.

To help clarify the motivations of egg donors and the extentto which they might be influenced by their desire forcompensation, researchers in Illinois surveyed allanonymous donors who donated eggs to infertile patientsat their clinic from January 2003 to January 2006. Ten of40 responded to the survey. The donors’ average age was24.5 and they had each received $5,000 per donation. Most(70%) had donated eggs just once, 20% donated twice and10% donated four times.

The egg donors surveyed used portions of theirreimbursement money for savings (30%), a down payment

on property (20%), school expenses (20%), and payingdown a car loan (20%). Half of the donors used a portionof their reimbursement to pay back loans including creditcards. None of the donors spent their reimbursement onluxury items or vacations. Most egg donors surveyed(80%) would donate again, but when asked if they woulddonate for a lesser amount, 70% would not. Some donorswould consider donating again for a higher level ofreimbursement - $7,000 – for the reason that they feelthat $5,000 is reasonable compensation for their efforts,but that they were left with less than $5,000 after taxeswere deducted.

The researchers concluded that, although the egg donorshad good use for the money they received ascompensation, $5,000 is not so high as to be coercive.Increasing reimbursement to $7,000 might attract moredonors, but it is not clear whether it would increase therisk of coercion.

David Adamson, MD, Vice-President of ASRM notes, “Itis essential that egg donors be fairly compensated. Theprocedure asks a lot of them: to conscientiously follow astrict schedule of injections and to undergo someuncomfortable, sometimes painful procedures. Thecompensation is recognition that egg donation requiresserious dedication and effort and that there are some risksinvolved. Many women who investigate the possibility ofbecoming an egg donor decide not to do so when theylearn more about the hard work that is required. Yet eventhough the demand for egg donors is increasing,compensation must not rise to levels that cause potentialdonors to disregard their own serious personalreservations. Likewise, compensation based on donors’personal attributes is not justifiable. Our EthicsCommittee has provided some guidance in this matter,which should be followed.” (P-670 Klipstein andKarande, Coercion in the recruitment of anonymous eggdonors.)

Highlights From the 62nd Annual MeetingHighlights From the 62nd Annual MeetingHighlights From the 62nd Annual MeetingHighlights From the 62nd Annual MeetingHighlights From the 62nd Annual MeetingAmerican Society For Reproductive MedicineAmerican Society For Reproductive MedicineAmerican Society For Reproductive MedicineAmerican Society For Reproductive MedicineAmerican Society For Reproductive Medicine


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DDDDDONAONAONAONAONATIONSTIONSTIONSTIONSTIONS - I - I - I - I - INNNNN S S S S SUPPORUPPORUPPORUPPORUPPORTTTTT OFOFOFOFOF T T T T THOSEHOSEHOSEHOSEHOSE T T T T TOUCHEDOUCHEDOUCHEDOUCHEDOUCHED BYBYBYBYBY I I I I INFERNFERNFERNFERNFERTILITYTILITYTILITYTILITYTILITY

Supporters - 250+Supporters - 250+Supporters - 250+Supporters - 250+Supporters - 250+Margaret AlbrightBrigham and Women’s HospitalCardone Reproductive Medicine

& InfertilityTara CousineauTerri DavidsonBeth Ann Panella

RESOLRESOLRESOLRESOLRESOLVE of the Bay State wishes to acknowledgVE of the Bay State wishes to acknowledgVE of the Bay State wishes to acknowledgVE of the Bay State wishes to acknowledgVE of the Bay State wishes to acknowledge ande ande ande ande andthank all those who havthank all those who havthank all those who havthank all those who havthank all those who have ge ge ge ge generenerenerenerenerously made donations durously made donations durously made donations durously made donations durously made donations dur-----ing the last quartering the last quartering the last quartering the last quartering the last quarter. RESOL. RESOL. RESOL. RESOL. RESOLVE of the Bay State and RE-VE of the Bay State and RE-VE of the Bay State and RE-VE of the Bay State and RE-VE of the Bay State and RE-SOLVE of Greater Hartford are licensed 501(c)(3) non-SOLVE of Greater Hartford are licensed 501(c)(3) non-SOLVE of Greater Hartford are licensed 501(c)(3) non-SOLVE of Greater Hartford are licensed 501(c)(3) non-SOLVE of Greater Hartford are licensed 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and eligible for matching funds fromprofit organizations and eligible for matching funds fromprofit organizations and eligible for matching funds fromprofit organizations and eligible for matching funds fromprofit organizations and eligible for matching funds fromemployers.employers.employers.employers.employers.

Donations from September 17 to December 15, 2006

FFFFFRIENDSRIENDSRIENDSRIENDSRIENDS - 100+ - 100+ - 100+ - 100+ - 100+AnonymousDiane AronsonLee Rubin Collins - in honor

of William MuellerJulie DolingerDale EldridgeDavina FankhauserLisa GrantPam & Dan HurleyThe Lunder FoundationSusan McCormackMarie McPartland-ConnPampered Chef FundraiserSamuel PanellaMarsha Sirull

Grace Lee & Simon TrieuPaula & Stuart LevinePam Odeen-LoDatoJulia Potter & David Zenk

Contributors - $500+Contributors - $500+Contributors - $500+Contributors - $500+Contributors - $500+ OOOOOTHERTHERTHERTHERTHER G G G G GIFTSIFTSIFTSIFTSIFTS F F F F FROMROMROMROMROM:::::

AnonymousKatherine Blount

OOOOOTHERTHERTHERTHERTHER G G G G GIFTSIFTSIFTSIFTSIFTS F F F F FROMROMROMROMROM:::::

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Irwin SchreimanMelissa CarlsonJoyce ChanBrit DeweyBeth & Jim DiPietroValerie & Jay EaglesBeth GandelmanFrances GatelyLauren & Jonathan GlickmanMelissa GooleyAmy & David GreenfieldRebecca GrowDeborah HernandezChristine HoweJohn & Mary Ann JablonskiAnn & Any KlapperSuzanne & David LeavittDebra LevineAmy MarksTracy & Dennis McManusTracie McWadieMaureen MoranLinda RiceTina & Nathan SchirnerBernhard SuhmKate SweetserChristen & Wally TipertAndrea Valente &

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NNNNNONONONONON-RESOLVE P-RESOLVE P-RESOLVE P-RESOLVE P-RESOLVE PROGRAMSROGRAMSROGRAMSROGRAMSROGRAMSThe following programs may be of interest to RESOLVE members. A listing does not consitute an endorsement byThe following programs may be of interest to RESOLVE members. A listing does not consitute an endorsement byThe following programs may be of interest to RESOLVE members. A listing does not consitute an endorsement byThe following programs may be of interest to RESOLVE members. A listing does not consitute an endorsement byThe following programs may be of interest to RESOLVE members. A listing does not consitute an endorsement byRESOLRESOLRESOLRESOLRESOLVE. See pagVE. See pagVE. See pagVE. See pagVE. See page 23 for adve 23 for adve 23 for adve 23 for adve 23 for advertising and editorial policies. DEADLINE for Spring 2007: Fertising and editorial policies. DEADLINE for Spring 2007: Fertising and editorial policies. DEADLINE for Spring 2007: Fertising and editorial policies. DEADLINE for Spring 2007: Fertising and editorial policies. DEADLINE for Spring 2007: February 22, 2007ebruary 22, 2007ebruary 22, 2007ebruary 22, 2007ebruary 22, 2007


IIIIINNNNN V V V V VITRITRITRITRITROOOOO F F F F FERERERERERTILIZATILIZATILIZATILIZATILIZATIONTIONTIONTIONTION I I I I INFORMANFORMANFORMANFORMANFORMATIONALTIONALTIONALTIONALTIONAL

SSSSSESSIONSESSIONSESSIONSESSIONSESSIONS FORFORFORFORFOR P P P P PAAAAATIENTSTIENTSTIENTSTIENTSTIENTS INININININ C C C C CONNECTICUTONNECTICUTONNECTICUTONNECTICUTONNECTICUT

The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services at theUniversity of Connecticut presents informative programson infertility, and specifically, in vitro fertilization (IVF).The programs are led by experts in the field of repro-ductive endocrinology, Dr. John Nulsen, Dr. DonaldMaier, Dr. Claudio Benadiva or Dr. David Schmidt. Theyinclude an in-depth explanation of the IVF process in-cluding a discussion on emotional issues, as well asoptions for financial planning.

Pre-registration is required. For more information,dates and times, directions, and to register, please

call 860.679.4580860.679.4580860.679.4580860.679.4580860.679.4580 or go to our website atwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.uconnfertility.uconnfertility.uconnfertility.uconnfertility.uconnfertility.com.com.com.com.com.

PPPPPREMAREMAREMAREMAREMATURETURETURETURETURE O O O O OVVVVVARIANARIANARIANARIANARIAN F F F F FAILUREAILUREAILUREAILUREAILURE G G G G GRRRRROUPOUPOUPOUPOUPPremature ovarian failure represents a dual diagnosisof infertility and menopause, a very difficult combina-tion for many patients. If you are interested in meetingothers with this diagnosis to discuss coping strategiesand mutual concerns related to body image, relation-ships, welf-esteem, sexuality, and exploring options ofbuilding a family, please contact:

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22 WWWWWINTERINTERINTERINTERINTER 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007www.resolveofthebaystate.org www.resolveofgreaterhartford.org

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ADADADADADVERVERVERVERVERTISERTISERTISERTISERTISER PPPPPAAAAAGEGEGEGEGEThe Adoption Center at FCA 22A Full Circle Adoptions 20Alliance for Children 9Boston IVF 19Ctr for Adv. Repr. Svcs 10Connecticut Fertility Associates 22Dream Donations 7FertileAge 20Dan Kane, LICSW 20Reproductive Science Center 20The Stork Lawyer 18Tiny Treasures 11Village Fertility Pharmacy 8Whole Person Health 18Wide Horizons for Children 22

RESOLRESOLRESOLRESOLRESOLVE VE VE VE VE OFOFOFOFOF G G G G GREAREAREAREAREATERTERTERTERTER H H H H HARARARARARTFORDTFORDTFORDTFORDTFORD V V V V VOLUNTEERSOLUNTEERSOLUNTEERSOLUNTEERSOLUNTEERS

Co-Presidents:Co-Presidents:Co-Presidents:Co-Presidents:Co-Presidents:Sheri Barry & Jennifer KaniosTTTTTrrrrreasureasureasureasureasurer:er:er:er:er: Gwen HamilSecretary:Secretary:Secretary:Secretary:Secretary: Marlene BersonAdvocacy:Advocacy:Advocacy:Advocacy:Advocacy: Janice Falk &Jennifer KaniosAdoption Resources:Adoption Resources:Adoption Resources:Adoption Resources:Adoption Resources:Suzanne SlikerE-mail Coordinator:E-mail Coordinator:E-mail Coordinator:E-mail Coordinator:E-mail Coordinator:Margi GoodeHelpline Coordinator:Helpline Coordinator:Helpline Coordinator:Helpline Coordinator:Helpline Coordinator:Jaime RotatoriMembership / Mailing:Membership / Mailing:Membership / Mailing:Membership / Mailing:Membership / Mailing:Margi GoodeNewsletter Coordinator:Newsletter Coordinator:Newsletter Coordinator:Newsletter Coordinator:Newsletter Coordinator:Sheri Barry

Please contact your local chapter if you are interested inPlease contact your local chapter if you are interested inPlease contact your local chapter if you are interested inPlease contact your local chapter if you are interested inPlease contact your local chapter if you are interested inbecoming a vbecoming a vbecoming a vbecoming a vbecoming a volunteerolunteerolunteerolunteerolunteer.....

Outreach:Outreach:Outreach:Outreach:Outreach:Jennifer Kanios & Sheri BarryPost Office Coordinator:Post Office Coordinator:Post Office Coordinator:Post Office Coordinator:Post Office Coordinator:Jennifer NatoliPeer Group Support:Peer Group Support:Peer Group Support:Peer Group Support:Peer Group Support:Janice Falk, Kim Griswold,Susan Kasznay, DyannVissicchio, Sheri Barry, GwenHamil, Jennifer Kanios, &Margie GoodeAdditional VAdditional VAdditional VAdditional VAdditional Volunteers:olunteers:olunteers:olunteers:olunteers:Cathy Evans, Jodi Alama,Rachael D’Agostino, MonicaGrabowy, Jessica Kogut, JenLasek, Michele Mudrick, JaimeRotatori, Joan KarasEducation Chair:Education Chair:Education Chair:Education Chair:Education Chair: OPEN

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This Newsletter is published quarterly with a circulation ofThis Newsletter is published quarterly with a circulation ofThis Newsletter is published quarterly with a circulation ofThis Newsletter is published quarterly with a circulation ofThis Newsletter is published quarterly with a circulation ofapproximately 1,400.approximately 1,400.approximately 1,400.approximately 1,400.approximately 1,400.

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