David and Alicia Petrucci have been together since they were just 19 years old, but they've faced a number of roadblocks on their path to creating a family. Still, the couple remains hopeful.
After receiving news that they couldn’t have biological children, due to David’s low sperm count and Alicia’s diminished ovarian reserve, they looked to other options like in vitro fertilization and donor embryos, neither of which produced successful results.
Although it was tough to come to terms with that news, the couple quickly realized there is more to a family than genetics.
“It’s about raising the child as well -- as much as we can give to them other than just being biological parents and understanding that helped me get through it,” David told HuffPost Live's Alyona Minkovski.
As the couple began considering other options -- like adoption, becoming foster parents or surrogacy -- they were dealt yet another blow.
“Unfortunately I was suddenly diagnosed with breast cancer in January ... That changed everything,” Alicia said. “I ended up having chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy, and thank God I’m cancer-free today, which, you know, is the most important thing.”
Despite the obstacles, the couple hopes to have children soon.
“We still dream and hope of becoming parents one day. It’s the single most reason why I fought cancer. I think we’ll make great parents, and we’re just ready to get back to that chapter of our lives.” she said.
Watch the full HuffPost Live conversation about dealing with infertility here.
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