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Casting Call for Infertility Docu-Series!

Apr 24th, 2012
by Krissi.
5 comments

Ok, if you caught my last post about the media ignoring infertility for NIAW, I wanted to share some happy, exciting news in that department. I got an e-mail today from Russel Berman who is an associate casting producer at Pitman Casting. They are casting a new project focusing on families facing infertility and their journey to parenthood!

Here is the information that he wanted me to pass along:

Forever Family (Working Title)

Over 1.2 million women in the US seek treatment each year for infertility.

It is estimated that U.S. citizens adopt around 120,000 children each year.

Since 1976, there have been about 25,000 surrogate births in the USA and more than 250,000 babies have been born using the in vitro fertilization technique. IVF offers infertile couples a chance to have a child who is biologically related to them.

From one of the producers of Extreme Makeover “Home Edition” comes a new one hour docu-series that celebrates couples and individuals who have decided to create their family in a variety of non traditional ways.

Each week our Host, a nationally recognized celebrity who has a experienced a personal journey with adoption or infertility will meet and interview couples and individuals, who are in various stages of creating new families utilizing one of these fast growing alternative trends of surrogacy, adoption, assisted insemination or IVF.

As the cameras document each heartwarming story, our host may also introduce our audience to other celebrities who themselves have gone through the process and want to share their passion and experience in creating their families using one of the above mentioned alternative approaches.

We are casting couples and individuals who are in various stages of creating a family using alternative means such as: surrogacy, adoption, assisted insemination and IVF.

We are currently only looking for people in the Southern California region.  If any of your readers are interested they should contact my associate

Sherry Calhoun at 818-400-9094
Thank you for your time.

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Don’t Ignore Infertility in the Media!

Apr 23rd, 2012
by Krissi.
6 comments

If you watch a lot of movies and TV like I do, you’ve probably realized how little infertility is represented. It’s basically ignored by most mainstream movies and television programs. And, if it is presented, it’s usually glossed over, or portrayed in a stereotypical, comical, or satirical way. Let’s analyze a few movies shall we?

Juno was a movie that was quite funny and quirky. It gave a glimpse of what infertility was like through Jennifer Garner’s character. My heart ached when she looked at Ellen Page longingly and wanted to touch her pregnant belly to feel the baby move (something she knew she’d never be able to experience). However, infertility was not the main theme of the movie. Likewise, in Facing the Giants, infertility was presented but the plot was based around the football team. And do we even have to talk about Baby Mama? Although a painful reality that Tina Fey’s character faced, the entire surrogacy was a comical fluke. And, stereotypically at the end, Tina Fey gets pregnant anyway on her own.

In T.V., some shows are airing infertility story-lines like Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters, and Private Practice (surprisingly all ABC shows). But even on these shows, there’s a lot of unnecessary drama and still some stereotypes that need to change or the general public will continue to believe in these myths. (Check out the post I wrote here about the show Brothers and Sisters last year.)

Well, it got me thinking about how the 7.3 million people in this country (who are suffering to have a baby every day) deserve a story presented in the media they can relate to,  a story that reveals the truths and triumphs of infertility with real, raw emotion. So, that is exactly why I took the opportunity to pitch my memoir to Hollywood executives last month in Las Vegas. (*Read more about the day and what I said in my pitch here.)

Upon practicing my pitch to other hopeful authors, I got the positive feedback that it sounds like a great idea and would be well suited for a television movie on Lifetime, The Hallmark Channel or Oprah’s Own Network. Most executives agreed. After looking at the score sheets from the day, I found that most also checked off that my pitch was effective and marketable. But sadly, they all checked that the book/idea wasn’t right for their company at this time.

The trip wasn’t a total loss. It was an amazing experience to be a part of a dream that was shared with 150 other authors. And since I believe my story is bigger than me, and can really help others, I  was grateful for the opportunity to share that. I am adding a picture here of the best score sheet I received. This executive actually thought it could be a feature film and could work with the right people involved! So, if you or someone you know are “the right people” and you’re interested in my memoir, please contact me! ;-)

There are some positive things happening on TV that have impressed me when it comes to infertility. The Pampers commercial “For Every Little Miracle” (that I blogged about here) gets a two thumbs up from me. There definitely needs to be more ads out there like this one. Also reality shows like Giuliana and Bill have let us in to some private moments this couple shared through their struggle and I think that’s certainly a step in the right direction when it comes to infertility in the media. By the way, in case you haven’t heard, they are now pregnant (through a gestational carrier). (Check out their story on the Today show!) Congratulations to them!

In the end, I’m looking forward to the day when infertility becomes as mainstream in the media as other diseases like breast cancer and heart disease. With proper coverage and a deep look at real stories, a support system can form, an understanding can be reached, and a stigma can be minimized. Infertility must stop being ignored!

  • http://www.resolve.org/infertility101 (Basic understanding of the disease of infertility.)
  • http://www.resolve.org/national-infertility-awareness-week/about.html (About NIAW)
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    Going Green with Infertility!

    Apr 22nd, 2012
    by Krissi.
    1 comment

    Don’t ignore infertility!

    It’s ICLW, the beginning of NIAW and Earth Day all rolled into one!

    So, I was thinking about Earth Day.  And when we think of helping the earth and “going green” the images that are conjured are a very green earth; a fertile, lush earth that is growing, blooming, surviving, and thriving. And, it got me thinking about infertility and how this disease is the exact opposite of all of these things. But, perhaps we can spin this around and have a Go Green campaign infertility style. This post is in honor of NIAW to stop ignoring infertility!

    *Recycle:  When it comes to infertility treatments, if we have to endure cycle after cycle, we may feel like we are always re-cycling but never really getting anywhere. But, if we re-cycle and learn something new (like what drugs could work better, what conflicts to avoid, how to ease the stress a bit more like trying acupuncture) than we can become stronger. If you know someone who is re-cycling to have a baby, you can also learn ways to help them. Wait for them to call when they want to discuss the details; it’s important not to pry. Send flowers to let them know you’re thinking of them. You can also take them out for a day of shopping, beauty, a movie, or just chatting at a local eatery. All of these things will show you’re there for them.

    *If you are an infertile blogger, recycle old posts to share insights with others. They will perhaps always be relevant to a holiday, event, month, week, or day. And, especially when we can share these insights with others who don’t know what it’s like (like through the Analogy Project), then infertility can be more understood. (*Read my analogies here and here.)

    *We can recycle ways to support others by reading a true story about infertility and using it to build a recognition for all who suffer. (Check out my new memoir here!)

    *Find articles, quotes, coupons that may have been for one purpose, and recycle these by passing them along to brighten someone else’s day. It can be a recycling of thoughts & good gestures. This will certainly continue to spawn better relationships and new friendships.

     

    *Reduce: You can stop ignoring infertility by reducing the amount of stress your infertile friends and family members may have. One way is to reduce the amount of unwanted, unsolicited advice. Avoid sharing what you’re sister’s co-worker’s friend’s daughter went through to have their baby. It just may not work for us. Don’t ask us what we’ve tried. Chances are, we have tried it, researched it, or at least thought about it. Ask questions when you don’t understand, support us by letting us cry and vent, and don’t get offensive/defensive if we are super emotional about babies, pregnancies, or family gatherings.

     

    *Reuse: If you’ve ever gone through something difficult, life changing, or upsetting, then I’m sure some people in your life  stepped up and went above and beyond to show you they care. Well, now you can pay it forward and be there for someone going through infertility. Awesome sentiments of encouragement and support can totally be reused in this instance and it will go a long, long way.

    *But please don’t reuse old sayings that you may have heard before. Back in the day, before infertility treatments were ever introduced into science, the old adage was to “just relax.” And then, maybe a few people became pregnant so people believed this actually worked. But in reality, this minimizes the real problem of our infertility that relaxing just won’t solve. When we pass on the advice given to us from generations before, it will likely fall on deaf ears.

    ~~~~~

    Let’s try to recycle, reduce and reuse when it comes to infertility so it can stop being ignored! Maybe then we can become more “green;” more fertile. We can grow, bloom, and ultimately thrive and survive.

    Happy Earth Day!

  • http://www.resolve.org/infertility101 (Basic understanding of the disease of infertility.)
  • http://www.resolve.org/national-infertility-awareness-week/about.html (About NIAW)

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    Having infertility is like being thirsty in the desert…

    Apr 10th, 2012
    by Krissi.
    6 comments

    So, after finding out about The Analogy Project from Mel at Stirrup Queens, I asked my husband if he could give an analogy to what infertility is like, what would it be? Within minutes, he recollected a scene from the movie Three Amigos!

    In this scene, Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Chevy Chase are riding horses in the very hot, dry desert. When they stop for drinks, Steve Martin’s canteen is empty. I’ll step in here and say this is like what all the women feel who’s arms are empty and we are so desperately looking for a baby to fill them. It’s a thirst we can’t seem to quench when we are infertile.

    When Martin Short lifts his canteen, there’s nothing but sand getting dumped into his mouth.  This to me represents everything that’s wrong with infertility. No matter how much we may want a baby and need it right at that moment, the wrong things happen; it’s the wrong timing, the wrong procedure, the wrong results.  It feels like we are drowning in a sea of emotions and yet can’t reach the shore. We may even see a mirage and get fooled into happiness for a short while, but we could still be drowning in that sand before we get the water we need and desire.

    My husband simply describes Steve Martin and Martin Short as “us”. Now, Chevy Chase on the other hand is “everyone else.” When Chevy Chase lifts his canteen, it’s filled with water and he drinks a huge amount of it. When you are fertile, there seems to be an abundance of babies, pregnancies, sperm, eggs, and it’s all in the right place, at the right time, and it’s satisfying and bountiful just as the water is to Chevy in that moment on the desert. But my husband says, the clincher is when he throws the canteen on the ground and more water pours out. He’s so cavalier about it, and doesn’t even realize that the other two are thirsty or need water at all. Chevy really does take that water for granted, just as the ease of fertility is taken for granted for so many. Then, as he puts on lip balm, further satisfying his needs, it suddenly dawns on him to share. I think that many fertiles around the world are like this. They are oblivious to the pain and emotional needs of an infertile friend or family member. They satisfy their own family needs and may do/say things right in front of an infertile that are spiteful, insensitive, or downright mean (even without meaning to be). Maybe after their babies are born, or in some cases even before, they see us look longingly at their babies and pregnant bellies as Steve Martin and Martin Short did in this scene looking for the water, then these fertiles may suddenly feel a bit of sympathy and a willingness to be there.

    But I think the truth of the matter is, it is our fate. There will always be an abundance of water for some on the desert as there will always be an abundance of babies. But sadly, the opposite is also true. We may get empty canteens or sand filled ones before we ever see one spilling over with the water we crave. And some of us will never get our own water filled canteens, we may have to take some from another or watch it slip away on the desert floor. Having infertility is like needing something so badly that you feel like you would die without it, just like being thirsty in the desert. But, I do hope we all find our water in one way or another.

    Here’s the video of the scene:

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    NIAW is around the corner!

    Apr 9th, 2012
    by Krissi.
    No comments yet

    From resolve.org

    Ok, so I’m doing a little spin on my usual blog love post to say how much I’m loving this year’s NIAW theme: “Don’t Ignore Infertility!” and to give a shout out to those being true activists (although it should come as no surprise).

    First up, Resolve is hard at work creating a buzz and organizing this year’s National Infertility Awareness Week which runs from April 22nd to April 28th. There are plenty of things you can do like write a blog post (about how not to ignore infertility), share  your story, sign up for an event, and go to Washington D.C. for Advocacy Day to talk with congressmen about needed change in our government. I for one, am writing a blog post (or two, or three), promoting my new memoir, and traveling to D.C. for Advocacy Day which I’m pretty excited about! Find out what you can do at this informational page.

    Next up, I want to share something that Mel at Stirrup Queens is working on called The Analogy Project. It will be a monthly project with different themes and this month, of course, is in honor of NIAW! Mel wants us to focus on “infertility and loss” and write a post that would show a great analogy that helps shed light onto what infertility and loss is really like to an outsider who’s never experienced it. I think this is a fantastic project and I’ve already read quite a few profound posts on the list. I am crafting both my husband’s and my analogies to share with you all later this week, so do come back! ;-) (Click on the above link to get involved!)

    And last but not least, I want to share what Keiko has done to help spread awareness for infertility. She used to blog at Hannah Wept Sarah Laughed but now blogs at The Infertility Voice. She created beautiful banners and encourages you to share them among your family and friends particularly on Facebook during NIAW. She even has one for each day of the week if you’d like to partake and share all of them. Kudos to you Keiko! Keep up the great work! Below is an example of one:

    from TheInfertilityVoice.com

     

    What are you planning to do for NIAW this year?

    I hope you find a way to get involved to make a difference!

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    For Every Little Miracle

    Jan 9th, 2012
    by Krissi.
    6 comments

      *Have you seen the newest Pampers commercial? (Well, it’s been around for several months now.) I saw it today which was rare, since I’m not usually home during the day when these kind of commercials come on TV. But, I wanted to post it here because I applaud this advertising campaign. It really is wonderful to see a commercial celebrating all little miracles even those who were born via IVF, surrogate or who were adopted. Even though it saddens me that 291 have disliked this on YouTube (and I can only imagine why), I think it’s awesome. Thank you Pampers for making infertility a little less taboo with this ad. I love it and wanted to post it here.

    *I will resume my normal Blog Love Mondays next week! ;-)

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    Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

    Oct 15th, 2011
    by Krissi.
    No comments yet

    Did you know that today, October 15th, is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day? It’s a day to remember and honor all those that lost their lives much too soon through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, still birth or infant death and lend support to all the parents, grandparents, families and friends involved. Tonight, at 7pm in all time zones, all over the world, please light a candle for one hour to create a wave of light and show your support.

    After two different IVF cycles, I experienced a chemical pregnancy, which is a very early miscarriage. Both times, they were heart wrenching to know I finally achieved a pregnancy after so much work, sweat and tears only to have it end so quickly. I can only imagine how incredibly painful it must be to lose a child much later on in pregnancy or worse, after the baby is born. So, today, I’m saying a prayer for everyone who has experienced this kind of loss. My heart goes out to you.

     If you’d like to know more about today, go to Remembering Our Babies, a site to create support, education, and awareness.

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    Think Pink!

    Oct 6th, 2011
    by Krissi.
    No comments yet

       October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! So as you think pink, donate and wear your ribbons, I thought I’d share a bit of important info on the fertility front. Did you know that the Family Act of 2011 will help people undergoing cancer treatments preserve their fertility? It’s also going to help millions who are paying out of pocket for infertility treatments! (Read more about the act here: http://www.resolve.org/get-involved/about-the-family-act-of-2011-bill.html). You can do your part to help get this bill passed by writing to your senators and asking them for their support. Mostly it’s a quick format to fill in but there is a place to personalize it with your journey. I have written mine. Now, it’s your turn! ;-)  

    Write to your U.S. Senators immediately and ask them to co-sponsor the Family Act of 2011, S 965.

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    PCOS Awareness Video

    Sep 29th, 2011
    by Krissi.
    No comments yet

    This is a video for PCOS Awareness I found. Let’s spread the word, the love and the knowledge beyond September and PCOS Awareness Month. It will be empowering! To see more videos, search for PCOS Awareness here.

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    Help The Tax Credit Bill for Infertility!

    May 25th, 2011
    by Krissi.
    No comments yet

    If you’re here from ICLW, welcome! Please feel free to look around (especially at this giveaway post) after you read this:

    Are you concerned about the cost of infertility treatment? Well, I’m sure most of you are! That’s why I’ve copied and pasted this important information from an e-mail Resolve sent me so I can spread awareness to help the Tax Credit Bill for Infertility Treatments which was introduced in the U.S. Senate 2 weeks ago during Resolve’s Advocacy Day. Find out what to do below to get the word out! ;-)

    Take Action: Tax Credit Bill for Infertility Treatments introduced in the U.S. Senate

    The time is now! The Family Act of 2011, S 965 is new legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate just two weeks ago that will give people diagnosed with infertility a tax credit for the out-of-pocket expenses related to IVF treatments and medical procedures to preserve fertility for cancer patients.  Read more here.

    What YOU can do

    Now that it is introduced, S 965 needs co-sponsors in the U.S. Senate.  We need EVERYONE who is facing infertility (and their friends and family) to contact their two U.S. Senators.

    1. Contact your two Senators right now.  It takes 3 minutes through RESOLVE’s Action Alert System. PLEASE review the online letter and personalize it with your story.  Personal contentis far more impactful than a form letter. You can add as much or as little information as you want in the body of the letter. The RESOLVE Action Alert System will do the rest!

    2. Ask your friends and family to send letters too!  Forward this link so they can take action today. http://www.resolve.org/taxcredit

    3. Share the information about the tax credit on your Blog or Facebook page!

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