Since my schedule this week is out the door...I have Jo's cold and am on my way to bed, here is a cut and paste kinda post!
I'll try and get back here before Christmas..maybe!

To try and raise some awareness The Infertility Awareness Association of Canada is trying a few things. Here is some of the info that I've gotten via email

"I applied to the Federal Government to establish a National Infertility Awareness Week; it will be the first full week following mother’s day and this year coming year that will be May 20 – 26, 2007. It is Spring, a time for renewal and new life. The government will not get formal approval before August or September so they are in agreement to our calling it the CANADIAN Infertility Awareness week this year and then National in future years."

Another tidbit

"Pomegranates, a longstanding symbol of fertility, serve as a strong analogy to those suffering through infertility. Though each pomegranate skin is unique in colour and texture, the seeds inside are remarkably similar from fruit to fruit. Though our diagnosis is unique—endometriosis, low sperm count, luteal phase defect, or causes unknown—the emotions, those seeds on the inside, are the same from person to person. Infertility creates frustration, anger, depression, guilt, and loneliness. Compounding these emotions is the shame that drives people suffering from infertility to retreat into silence.In addition, the seeds represent the multitude of ways one can build their family: natural conception, treatments, adoption, third-party reproduction, or even choosing to live child-free.
The pomegranate ribbon/band holds a two-fold purpose: to identify and create community between those experiencing infertility as well as create a starting point for a conversation. Women pregnant through A.R.T., families created through adoption, or couples trying to conceive during infertility can wear the thread, identifying themselves to others in this silent community. At the same time, the string serves as a gateway to conversations about infertility when people inquire about its purpose. These conversations are imperative if we are ever to remove the social stigma attached to infertility.Tie on the thread because you’re not alone. Wear to make aware.

Perhaps we can create our own infertility ribbon - obviously in the shade of pomegranate and we can all wear our ribbons that week to show our support for one another! If we can get a ribbon created (not sure how hard that would be?) all proceeds can go to IAAC. The other "hot item" these days is those wrist bands that support a cause ...if anyone dislikes the ribbon we could do a pomegranate coloured band. "

Labels: Infertility, IVF

posted by Northern Mom @ 10:15 p.m.

1 Comments:

At 3:21 p.m., BeachMama said…

Interesting article Barb.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas.

BeachMama and J.