Writing a book is no different from going through IVF. Like the bevy of appointments, medications, and shots, a book requires tons of research, interviews, and dedication. Both require input and wisdom from a welter of people. In either case, two pairs of hands are not enough. This is true even for the revision.
Our original idea would have never have gotten past our computers without the support and encouragement from Dr. David R. Marks. He spent many late nights poring over our initial chapters after putting in long hours delivering newscasts at WNBC-TV in New York.
Our book would not be what it is today without invaluable insights from experts who spend their days helping couples become parents. Special thanks go to Pamela Madsen, founder and executive director of the American Fertility Association; Dr. Barry R. Behr with Stanford University and HRC Fertility Newport Beach; Dr. Aaron Spitz with Orange County Urology Medical Associates; Dr. Janet Hornstein, Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Los Angeles; Dr. Sassan Falsalfi, ENT in Moraga; Dr. Daniel Lee, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine in Laguna Hills; Christina Jones, founder and CEO of Extend Fertility, Inc. in Boston; and Charlotte Khoury, Natalija Matic, Lucy Sollie-Vilker, and Lisa Rogy of HRC Fertility, Newport Beach.
A knowledgeable therapist who specializes in infertility/third-party reproduction can make your journey more meaningful. Great appreciation goes to Karen Chernekoff, Marriage and Family Therapist in Orange County. And there’s no doubt that anyone attempting a third-party reproduction contract needs sound legal counsel. Much gratitude goes to Andrew W. Vorzimer, attorney for the Center for Surrogate Parenting and managing partner of Vorizimer and Masserman in Beverly Hills, and Steven Lazarus, attorney in private practice in Los Angeles.
Many thanks go to Robert (Bob) Morreale with the Cleveland Institute of Art, Eve Herold with the Stem Cell Research Foundation, and Dana Jessup with Serono, Inc. for contributing illustrations that are critical to our readers.
This book would never have come to pass without the support and advice from our editor, Christine Dore at Da Capo Press. We cannot thank her enough for polishing our manuscript until it took on the right luster.
We would be remiss if we didn’t extend our gratitude to the rest of the staff at Da Capo Press for dedicating their time and energy to birth this book. Much praise goes to editorial production manager Lori Hobkirk at the Book Factory; Josephine Mariea, copy editor; Timm Bryson, interior book designer; and Sandy Chapman, proofreader.
Heartfelt appreciation goes to Adam Hanin, who spent countless hours reviewing our chapters; generating illustrations, graphs, and tables; designing a comprehensive glossary; and cheering us on every step of the way.
Much gratitude goes to all the educators, caregivers, friends, family, and colleagues in our lives who helped us each day while we put the finishing touches on our manuscript.
Most of all, our book would not be the same without the courageous couples who shared their stories. While we won’t acknowledge each individually to protect their anonymity, they know who they are. They were humble, forthcoming, and generous enough to let others feel the heartache of not being able to conceive and what they did about it. All took the unbeaten path like we did and the same one that many of you may soon embark on. Their experiences are rich and compelling and shed light on complex issues that tug at the hearts of infertile couples everywhere.