Hannah To Hannah
August 2002 All rights reserved. Copyright ©2002. Issue #31
Providing "Christian
Support for Fertility Challenges"
including infertility or the loss of a
child at any time from conception through early infancy.
A monthly publication of Hannah's Prayer Ministries.
This month's topic: Diagnosis and Treatment
My Recommendation for the Hannah's Prayer Medical Hall of Fame - Jill Amack, Editor Hannah to Hannah
Hannah's Prayer Medical Hall of Fame
Finding the Right Doctor Hannah's Prayer Founder, Jennifer Saake
New Book Study Starting In September
Newsletter Submission & Reprint Information
My Recommendation for the Hannah's Prayer Medical Hall of Fame:
Rosanne Marie Chiong Kho, M.D., F.A.C.O.O.G.
Copyright © 2002, Jill Amack, Editor of Hannah to Hannah
As the doctor came into the examining room, I thought, "Here I go
again." I had recently moved to Minnesota, and my first doctor's visit had
been a nightmare. I had chosen a woman doctor from my insurance company's
preferred provider list because I had been so happy with my previous doctor, Dr.
Mary Davis. But after a complete exam and explanation of the infertility-related
problems I'd had since my teens, the doctor told me that her recommendation was
a complete hysterectomy.
"But I'm only 29 and I've never had children!" I gasped. But she
wouldn't back down. She said that if I wanted to feel better, I needed a
hysterectomy. Otherwise, I would just have to learn to live with it. "So
much for the concept that women doctors have greater sympathy for other
women," I grumbled to myself. I walked out the door and never went back.
The next clinic was made up of only women doctors, which I thought was an
interesting idea. I'd had an excellent male doctor in Nebraska years before, so
I wasn't opposed to them, I just found certain things easier to talk about with
a woman doctor. I spent about 45 minutes with this new doctor, explaining the
kind of pain and other symptoms I was having. After an examination, she told me
to schedule and appointment with the hospital for an ultrasound. After the tests
a few days later, she reported that they found a softball-sized cyst and a few
smaller ones. "Not to worry," my doctor said. "They'll probably
just go away on their own."
And they did. Or seemed to. After many phone calls and another consult with her
a few months later about recurring symptoms, my doctor decided to wait and see.
During this visit I mentioned to her some of the unrelated (I thought) symptoms
that were bothering me. I had trouble regulating my blood sugar and had unusual
hair growth. Then I explained my frustration over not being able to lose weight,
in spite of dieting and working out on a treadmill. I told her that this
struggle with my weight had come on gradually in my mid-20s, after having a
working metabolism that easily maintained a healthy weight for years. And then
she gave me a look. It's that look that mothers give to children when they are
being foolish. She said I should try harder, and I looked at her, a 40-ish woman
who still looked great in short skirts, and I thought, "This obviously
hasn't ever happened to you."
Feeling ashamed and embarrassed, I left her office to "wait and see."
Within a week, the pain had become constant and unbearable, and I called her
office. "Your doctor isn't in today," the receptionist said.
"I'll see anyone who will take me," I said, little knowing how a
sovereign God was working out all of the things that concerned me.
When I first met Dr. Kho, I was amazed at how tiny she was. A Filipino-American,
she had a quiet, caring way about her that made me trust her instantly. She
listened to my every complaint (and believe me, by this time they had elevated
into complaints) like I was the only patient she had that day. She also had a
take-charge attitude, which I found very refreshing after months of "wait
and see." After looking at the notations on my chart, she quickly put
together the pieces. She started to ask me pointed questions, and I was
surprised that she knew to ask about specific symptoms I had that seemed to have
no connection at all to an ovarian cyst.
After knowing me for less than an hour, she suspected polycystic ovary syndrome,
and instead of sending me to the hospital for an ultrasound, she marched me down
the corridor and performed one on me herself, explaining the pictures as they
became visible.
I was on the verge of tears. It had been so long since someone had taken me
seriously, and to know that what made me miserable had a name and a treatment
was the most overwhelming feeling. I knew then that God had blessed me with this
doctor, and I made sure that I told her so.
Over the course of two years, Dr. Kho oversaw my treatment. She was one of the
people who rejoiced with me when I lost 26 pounds on my new medication, and she
was one of the first to know that my husband wanted a divorce. She knew about
and respected my faith, and that I believed God had allowed this trial in my
life. She encouraged me to do extensive research on PCOS, and even gave me a
list of Web sites that might be helpful. She chose to partner with me in each
course of action we tried. And when I needed a laparoscopy she was not only my
surgeon, but also the one holding my hand and talking to me as I fell asleep.
I'm pleased to tell you that in 2001, Dr. Kho's outstanding efforts were
rewarded with a Surgical Gynecologist position at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale,
Arizona, where she specializes in abnormal vaginal bleeding, menstrual
disorders, fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain, abnormal pap smears, pelvic
relaxation, polycystic ovary syndrome, hormone replacement therapy, and benign
GYN (laparoscopic, vaginal, abdominal) surgeries.
After I moved away from Minnesota, I always meant to write to Dr. Kho, telling
her of the difference she made in my life. So perhaps this could serve as a
substitute. From someone who knows how very rare a gift I've been given, I am so
thankful to have had the opportunity to know her at a crucial juncture in my
life. I consider her an exceptional person and a brilliant medical professional.
For all of these reasons, she's earned a permanent wing in the Hannah's Prayer
Medical Hall of Fame.
If you have the privilege of visiting Mayo Scottsdale someday, I would highly
recommend requesting Dr. Rosanne Kho. And tell her hello from me.
Hannah's Prayer Medical Hall of Fame
Drum Roll Please...
Here it is: the very first Hannah's Prayer Medical Hall of Fame!
We'd like to extend our congratulations to the medical professionals listed
here. You are members of a select group chosen for your excellent medical
skills, sensitivity to infertility issues, and professionalism. It is a distinct
honor, because many of the Hannah's Prayer members who recommended you have been
to doctor after doctor, looking for the right one. So welcome to our Medical
Hall of Fame…and keep up the great work!
- Arizona - California - Florida - Georgia -
Illinois - Iowa - Massachusetts - Nevada - New York - North Carolina -
Ohio - Virginia -
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Arizona
Rosanne Marie Chiong Kho, M.D., F.A.C.O.O.G.
Surgical Gynecologist, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale
13400 East Shea Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Phone: (480) 301-8000
Fax: (480) 301-7006
http://www.mayo.edu/mcs/
Medical School: Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
Specialty Training: Residency, Mayo Graduate School of Medicine,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rochester, Minnesota
Specialties: Abnormal vaginal bleeding, menstrual disorders,
fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain, abnormal pap smears, pelvic
relaxation, polycystic ovary syndrome, hormone replacement therapy,
benign GYN (laparoscopic, vaginal, abdominal) surgeries.
Comments: Intelligent, compassionate, and kind, Dr. Kho diagnosed my
condition after many years of frustration. I had seen several
doctors in three states, but Dr. Kho found the problem during my
first appointment. When I required surgery, she was not only my
surgeon, but she held my hand while the anesthetist worked. Words
can't express how impressed I am by this doctor. I highly recommend
her!
Recommended by: Jill Amack, Editor of Hannah to Hannah
newsletter@hannah.org
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
California
John A. Swanson, M.D.
6215 N. Fresno, #108
Fresno, California 93710
(559) 439-1835
Specialties: Obstetrics, Gynecology, Gynecologic Endocrinology, and
Infertility
Recommended by: Steph Bixler, Director of Hannah's Prayer
stephbix@hannah.org
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dr. John L. Gililland
Northern California Fertility Center
406½ Sunrise Avenue, Suite 310
Roseville, California 95661
Phone: (916) 773-2229
Fax: (916) 773-8391
http://www.ncfmc.com/phystaff.htm#drgpic
Comments: He is a wonderfully compassionate Christian RE I had the
opportunity to work with for a while in Northern California. He is
very supportive of HP.
Recommended by: Jenni Saake, Founder of Hannah's Prayer,
jennisaake@hannah.org
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Florida
Dr. Barry Ripps
Sacred Heart Hospital
5147 North Ninth Avenue, Suite 402
Pensacola, FL 32504
(850) 857-3733
http://www.ufobgynshh.org/FACULTY/Ripps/Ripps.html
mailto:newfertility@aol.com
Specialties: Reproductive Endocrinology
Specialty Boards: American Society for Reproductive Medicine
American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Recommended by: Mark Foote, Tallahassee, FL mfoote@tbci.org
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dr. Woods (South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine)
One Southwest 129th Avenue, Suite 205A
Pembroke Pines, FL 33027
(954) 433-7060 http://www.ivfmd.com/
Comments: Dr. Woods and her staff are exceptional in their treatment
of not only infertility but in dealing with the personal issues
also. They have always remained positive and willing to help in all
matters. All the doctors at the institute have been very helpful and
I will truly miss their knowledge as I go on to my regular Ob/Gyn now
that I am pregnant.
Recommended by: Ana M. Collazo-Cordo, Miramar, FL ocordo@yahoo.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dr. Moises Virelles
Loxahatchee, Florida (west of West Palm Beach)
(561) 793-4404
Comments: I would like to recommend my OB as a pro-life doctor.
When we approached him without situation he had but two books on his
desk.... the Bible and the Physician's Desk Reference. We explained
that the baby we were carrying had been diagnosed with ARPKD, a rare
genetic defect that in our case was incompatible with life. I was 16
weeks pregnant. We told him we were looking for a doctor who would
support our decision to carry our child regardless of outcome. He
told us he never referred for abortions and our decision was made.
He was one of the most kind and compassionate person I have ever met.
Recommended by: Dawn Chandler, Loxahatchee, FL dawnmchandler@msn.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Georgia
Dr. Paul J. Katz
237 Upper Riverdale Road
Riverdale, GA 30274
770-996-1200
Specialties: Board Certified OB/GYN Specialist
Comments: Dr. Katz is heaven sent. He is very caring and
considerate of his patients. He is very accurate and precise. He
does not try to 'sugar coat' the diagnosis but he does tell you with
empathy and choices.
Recommended by: Angelique Johnson, Riverdale, GA tony_n_angel@msn.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Illinois
Meike L. Uhler, M.D.
2160 S. First Ave.
Maywood, IL 60153
(708) 216-9596
Specialties: Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
Comments: I would gladly recommend my doctor, Dr. Meike Uhler, for
anyone in the Chicago area struggling with infertility or miscarriage. She is
based at the Loyola University Medical School & is an associate
professor there (Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility). I came
to her after talking with several doctors about a problem I have with
low progesterone. Other doctors were not willing to put me on a
progesterone supplement unless I had already miscarried (at that time
I had not yet tried to conceive). I did not feel comfortable with
that...I felt like it was playing Russian roulette with my baby. I
went to Dr. Uhler (upon the recommendation of a friend who is a nurse
at Loyola Medical Center) & told her of my problem. When I began
trying to conceive, she checked my progesterone levels before I even
missed my period, and found them too low to support a pregnancy.
Right away she started me on a progesterone supplement. I did
conceive, but I ended up losing the baby at 5 weeks (I found out
later it was due to Trisomy 16, and not due to the progesterone
problem). Dr. Uhler had to perform a D&C on me. Her emotional
support and sensitivity were outstanding. (I've heard horror stories
from other women about their doctors' insensitivity.)
Recommended by: Melanie Mobley, Burbank, IL
john.mark.mobley@juno.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Iowa
Dr. Bradley J. Van Voorhis
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Division Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
200 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1009
(319) 356-8483 In Vitro Fertilization Clinic
Specialties:
Director, Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Division
Board Certification in Reproductive Endocrinology
Associate Professor, Reproductive Endocrinology Division
Comments: There is a whole group of doctors that I have been seeing
since the beginning of my infertility treatment. The one that stands
above the rest, in my opinion, is Dr. Bradley J. Van Voorhis. If any
of you ever get the chance to deal with the University of Iowa
Hospital IVF/GIFT team, you will not be sorry, they all come highly
recommended.
Recommended by: Megan Ritter, Muscatine, Iowa mritter@machlink.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Massachusetts
Dr. R. Ian Hardy
Fertility Center of New England
20 Pond Meadow Dr., Suite 101
Reading, MA 01867
781-942-7000
www.fertilitycenter.com
Specialties: Infertility (reproductive endocrinologist)
Comments: My husband and I are in our 3rd year of infertility
treatment. We have found a remarkable doctor who has stood with us
through all of the ups and downs. He has a sharp intellect, and an
incredibly rare mix of compassion, realism, and encouragement. He is
respectful, upbeat, and explains things patiently, thoroughly, and
kindly. I recommend him to all of the women I meet who share their
infertility challenges with me. His academic credentials speak for
themselves (Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, Fullbright Scholar) but
what has mattered most to us is his encouraging, thoughtful manner,
even in the midst of some very dark days for us.
We've gone through several unsuccessful IVFs, an ectopic, and a
miscarriage last Father's Day. While he promises no magic answers,
he is always encouraging and I feel safe and well-cared for. While
we have never discussed matters of faith, he is a man who is aware
and sensitive to the emotional and physical costs of infertility
treatment and pregnancy loss. He never pushes anything - instead
gently guides. My husband and I do not know if the Lord will bless
us with biological children but we feel peaceful that Dr. Hardy is the medical professional we will consult with until the end - however
it arrives.
Recommended by: Alice McCarthy, Gloucester, MA
alice@alicemccarthy.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dr. Paul A. Carpentier
Family Medicine / Natural Family Planning (Creighton Model)
250 Green Street, Suite 200
Gardner, MA 01440
PHONE: (978) 632-6444
FAX: (978) 632-5937
Comments: I felt compelled to nominate Dr. Carpentier to this list
because of the outstanding medical treatment and support he has
provided for my husband and myself. We suffered an ectopic pregnancy
in March of 2001 and Dr. Carpentier has been with us every step of
the way since then. He made it a point to learn if we were
Christians and then recommended grief counseling to us after our
loss. He has also provided us with NFP education/training in the
Creighton Model (Pope Paul VI Institute, Omaha, NE). He sees us
regularly for fertility chart reviews and medicine updates/changes.
I implicitly trust in his advice and plans for us. He is sensitive
to our needs and the needs of other couples that are struggling with
infertility. Dr. Carpentier is an outstanding physician and an exceptionally faith filled person - a rare combination in his
profession.
Recommended by: Marybeth and Craig Hay, Whitinsville, MA
Haymb5769@aol.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Nevada
William J. Lloyd, Jr., M.D.
601 Ralston St., #200
Reno, Nevada 89503
Phone: (775) 786-7440
Fax: (775) 786-9389
Comments: He is my current OB/GYN, also a Christian and very
compassionate. While he isn't an RE, he does understand a lot about
my specific medical issues, including PCO and Endometriosis (he did my laparoscopy in January) and has been very supportive of my needs
for extra reassurance with past history of miscarriage.
Recommended by: Jenni Saake, Founder of Hannah's Prayer,
jennisaake@hannah.org
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
New York
Doctors John Queenan and Kathryn Hoeger
and the entire staff of The Strong Infertility and In Vitro
Fertilization Center
Strong Memorial Hospital
601 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, NY 14642
(585) 275-1930
http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/stronghealth/ivf/welcome.html
Comments: I highly recommend this team. They have been extremely
knowledgeable regarding all aspects of infertility. Office staff is
always professional and sensitive to the patients needs. I was very confident that I was getting the highest quality of medical
attention.
Recommended by: Susan Reardon, Rochester, NY
sreardon@energetix.net
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
North Carolina
David Walmer
DUMC, Box 3143
Durham, NC 27710
(919) 684-5327
Specialties: Reproductive Endocrinologist, Endometriosis, IVF
Comments: Dr. Walmer is a kind and caring physician. He likes to
lay out all the options then gently guide you in your decision making
process. He is an active and devoted Christian. Although I am no
longer seeking treatment I do count him among my friends and still
keep in touch with him.
Recommended by: Bobbey Sakoman, Creedmoor, NC yebbob@nc.rr.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ohio
Dr. Sherif Awadalla and Dr. Michael Scheiber
Institute for Reproductive Health, Rookwood Tower
3805 Edwards Road, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45209
(513) 924-5550
www.cincinnatifertility.com
Specialties: Infertility - Reproductive Endocrinologists
Comments: This is their new address. You may get some of their
older patients giving their old address at Christ Hospital in
Cincinnati - but this is their brand new office.
Recommended by: Kim Harman of Hebron, KY CONTRAILH@aol.com
and
Tina Carver of Portsmouth, OH KCCTMC@aol.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dr. NeeOo Chin
11503 Springfield Pike, Suite 220
Cincinnati, OH 45246
(513) 326-4300
Specialties: Reproductive Health
Comments: Dr. Chin and his staff are superb. Not only do they keep
you well informed, they are all genuinely kind. We love all of them.
Recommended by: Arica & Doug Harrell, Cincinnati, OH
aaharrell55@hotmail.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Virginia
Dr. John T. Hart
17201 Pickwick Dr.
Purcellville, VA 20132
(540) 751-0275
(540) 368-5555 is his Fredericksburg phone number on Tuesdays and
Thursdays
Specialties: Functional medicine
Comments: I met Dr. Hart in 1998 due to my miscarriage. He was new
to my current doctor's practice and was available the day I needed
surgery. Immediately, we noticed that he was knowledgeable about
nutritional approaches to medicine. Since I also suffer from
fibromyalgia, this was important to me. At the time he was a
practicing OB/GYN so I had found one doctor to deal with both the
female stuff and my medical issues. Over the last four years I have
been through several nutritional programs, each one helping me to get
better than before. Last spring, Dr. Hart decided to start his own
practice and left my area. So, I traveled nearly two hours to see
him. Then, he began to come back to Fredericksburg twice a week!!
He has decided to specialize in functional medicine and no longer
does the OB/GYN stuff. So that is a bummer. But he has helped me
become a healthy person once again.
Recommended by: Heidi Y. Buck, Fredricksburg, VA buckhy@1bigred.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Medical Hall of Fame will be listed on our Web site at
www.hannah.org/resources/halloffame.htm.
If you don't see your state or medical professional listed,
send your recommendation of doctors, nurses, or clinics
to webmaster@hannah.org.
Finding the Right
Doctor
Copyright © 2001, Jennifer Saake, Founder of Hannah's Prayer
"Patient refuses selective reduction."
The words jumped off the page at me as I was reviewing some of my old medical records. My mind vividly flashed back to that long-ago day when I was interviewing a new RE ("Reproductive Endocrinologist" or infertility specialist) for the first time.
I had come to his office as a new patient in the sense that I had just moved to this state and needed to reestablish myself with a physician who could handle my infertility care. I was not, however, a "new patient" in the sense of inexperience. We had already been traveling down the long road of infertility for well over five years and had seen eight or nine previous doctors in our quest to build our family beyond the two of us.
As Christians I believe that God calls us to be responsible, informed, and clear about our options and limitations while battling through the jungle maze of infertility treatment. We are taught by society to trust our doctors and not to question that they know best. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the medical issues of reproduction and blinded by our desperation for children to the point where we let our doctors dictate the path first, then only check in with God after the course is set.
After my first referral from my family physician to an OB/GYN whose business card proudly announced his special interest in infertility, I felt great hope that we would soon be pregnant. His initial evaluation was that I simply was not ovulating and his claim was that this was the easiest kind of infertility issue to resolve. With a prescription for the fertility drug Clomid and reassurance that I should easily be pregnant within six months, I left his office very happy. Two years later, after much reading, personal research, and talking with other fertility patients, I finally realized that I had been receiving sub-standard and often inappropriate treatments. It was time for a change!
No doctor is the perfect fit for every patient. There is no law saying that you must stay with the first doctor you find. Give your doctor a fair chance, but if you are not satisfied with your care, let him know and give him a chance to fix things. Ask LOTS of questions and push for detailed answers until you feel you have a full understanding of the issues. Your doctor does not know everything. He is human, with human limitations (cannot read every new medical article published about your specific condition, has bad days, doesn't always do things right the first time) and human emotions of his own (pride, personal opinions of right and wrong, personality conflicts, stresses outside work, etc.).
HSG, HCG, IUI, IVF, post-coital, endometrial biopsy, luteal phase, follicles… The tests, treatments, and terms used can all become so confusing. In trying to understand what all these things mean it is even harder to understand what all the consequences may be! Again, ask questions and do your own research until you really understand what your doctor is talking about. Don't be afraid to bring other tests and treatments to his attention and find out his views on things you are not yet actively dealing with. As you gain a big picture of what your options are and where your treatment may be headed, take it all before God and ask Him for very clear direction. Write down your limits and share them with another couple that will hold you accountable; then you won’t be swayed by the emotions of the moment when your doctor proposes something outside your boundaries.
For my husband and I personally (and I am not saying these are the limits God will give your family, I'm just using our own experiences as an example), we felt convicted early on in our infertility journey that if we were to have a biological child it would need to come from my egg and my husband's sperm and be carried in my body, otherwise we would adopt. If we had to look at donor or surrogate issues, we felt that we would respond to the introduction of a third person in our marriage for the sake of conception as a form of adultery and that it could cause great harm to our marriage. My husband also had a very strong conviction against masturbation, causing much frustration when the issues of sperm collection for tests or insemination were important. We resolved this by having our doctor prescribe a special sterile "fertility condom" or "condom for insemination," allowing us to collect through the act of loving intercourse.
When I was seeing my new RE for that get-established visit and still far from being pregnant, why was my chart marked so prominently with words about refusing abortion of one of more babies in a multiple-birth scenario? It was another limit we were setting. I wanted this doctor to know from the outset that any time one of my eggs and one of my husband's sperm were united in conception, that from that moment on we would consider this our child, a unique person with value and soul. He was firmly instructed from the start to do everything in his power to keep me from getting into a compromising situation of being pregnant with more babies than he felt I could safely carry to term in any given pregnancy. Yes, we wanted children, but not so desperately as to put any of our babies' lives at risk because there were "too many."
It was a long journey, but by seeking God for wisdom with each step, becoming educated about our medical issues and options, setting firm limits within the convictions God gave to our family and persisting until we found the doctor that was right for us, we survived! Appreciating the amount of thought we had put into becoming informed and our honesty in setting strong limits, our doctor went out of his way to help us work for our goal. By God’s grace, within two years of that first consultation we were back in our RE's office to introduce him to our son!
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:2-5)
Encouraging Words
Reprinted with permission from The Mind on Fire, An Anthology of the Writings of Blaise Pascal, James M. Houston, Editor, Multnomah Press, 1989, p. 291
Take from me, O Lord, that self-pity which love of myself so readily produces,
and from the frustration of not succeeding in the world as I would naturally desire,
for these have no regard for your glory. Rather, create in me a sorrow
that is conformable to your own. Let my pains rather express the happy condition
of my conversion and salvation. Let me no longer wish for health or life,
but to spend it and end it for you, with you, and in you.
I pray neither for health nor sickness, life nor death.
Rather I pray that you will dispose of my health, my sickness, my life, and my death,
as for your glory, for my salvation, for the usefulness to your church and your saints, among whom I hope to be numbered. You alone know what is expedient for me.
You are the Sovereign Master. Do whatever pleases you. Give me or take away from me. Conform my will to yours, and grant that with a humble and perfect submission,
and in holy confidence, I may dispose myself utterly to you.
May I receive the orders of your everlasting, provident care.
May I equally adore whatever proceeds from you.
If you have an encouraging quote that has especially challenged you,
please e-mail Jill at newsletter@hannah.org so that we may consider
it for an upcoming issue of Hannah to Hannah.
For more information, please read our September announcement.
Upcoming Events
Is your organization sponsoring an infertility, adoption, or infant loss seminar?
If so, please e-mail Jill at newsletter@hannah.org so that we may consider
your announcement for an upcoming issue of Hannah to Hannah.
RESOLVE Infertility and Adoption Conference 2002
September 27-28, 2002
Magee Women’s Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
We are planning our infertility and adoption conference for 2002. The date has been set during National Infertility Awareness Week, September 27 & 28th. We are very fortunate enough to be able to hold this year’s conference at Magee Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Friday at 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. A detailed schedule is available on our Web site at www.resolve.org.
Adoption Academy Offers Classes
Columbus Children's Hospital
700 Children's Dr.
Columbus, Ohio
(614) 722-4949 Children's Hospital Education Department
Here is the fall schedule for the upcoming educational classes:
CORE track (3 weeks)
September 24 Introduction of the Academy and Overview of Adoption
October 1 The Nuts and Bolts of Home Study
October 8 Emotional and Social Implications of Adoption and Parent Panel
DOMESTIC TRACK (4 weeks)
October 15 The Step-by-Step Process of Adoption and Find the Adoptive Child
October 22 The Spectrum of Openness in Adoption and Cultural Considerations
October 29 Preparing for the Child's Arrival: Medical and Behavioral Aspects of
Adoption
November 5 Affording Your Adoption and Parent and Adoptee Panel
INTERNATIONAL TRACK (4 weeks)
November 12 Step-by-Step Process of International Adoption
November 19 Dealing with Governments - Ours and Others
December 3 Medical and Health Care Needs of the Child
December 10 Transcultural Adoption Considerations
Fees:
CORE: $15 first person, $10 each additional
Domestic and International Fees are $20 for first person, $15 for each additional
All classes are at Columbus Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr. Columbus, Ohio.
Call Children's Hospital Education Dept. at (614) 722-4949 for a registration brochure or if you have additional questions. Brochures are also available online at the RESOLVE of Ohio web site, www.resolveofohio.org or www.childrenscolumbus.com or www.law.capital.edu/adoption.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Parent Support Group in Glendale, California
Fourth Thursday of every month
7:30pm – 9:30 pm at Verdugo Hills Hospital
Main Entrance, 4th Floor, Council Rooms
1812 Verdugo Blvd., Glendale, California
The Pregnancy and Infant Loss Group of Verdugo Hills Chapter of The Compassionate Friends, is for parents who are grieving the loss of a baby through ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, newborn or early infant death. Mothers and fathers are invited to attend alone or with their partner. We will meet on the same dates and times as the general Compassionate Friend meetings, but in an adjacent room. For more information please call (818) 957-0254 or contact Susan tcfsgh@pacbell.net.
Infertility & Adoption Group
Fourth Thursday of every month
7:00-9:00 pm at Evangelical Free Church of Fresno
3438 E. Ashlan Avenue
Fresno, California 93726-3597
For more information, please contact Pete and Linda Weller at 226-4100.
Infertility Support Group
Last Friday of every month
7:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church
72 Lake Morton Drive
Lakeland, Florida 33801
Phone contact: First UMC Counseling Office (863) 644-8241
Please call to confirm time and location. Should you require further information or confirmation, please contact Laurie Busey at greggbuseyz@yahoo.com or phone (863) 644-1507.
Infertility Support Group
Meeting times: to be determined
Sheffield Family Life Center Church
5700 Winner Road
Kansas City, Missouri
Contact: Terri Bennett
(816) 220-9823
nealandterri@yahoo.com
The Sheffield Family Life Center Church has built a new building and expanded its programs to include a new ministry called, "The Refuge.” They are starting a Christian support group for those experiencing infertility, unwanted childlessness, and other related issues. The name of the support group is, "Light On The Path.” The groups will meet monthly for support and there will also be special events (adoption panels, etc.). There are brochures available if you would like to have a copy e-mailed or mailed to you. The group may meet at the church or in Terri’s home. Please contact Terri if you are interested in attending.
Hannah’s Prayer is not directly related to,
nor has any financial interest in, these organizations.
We prayerfully list them to help you find other resources
that may be of blessing or encouragement to you.
2002 Hannah to Hannah Topics & Submission Deadlines
When submitting, please include your full name, mailing address, and e-mail address to be considered for publication. If you like, include a little information about you, like: "Jenni lives with her husband, Rick, in... They have struggled with infertility for…" This helps our readers to get to know you better, but it is completely optional.
July 2002 - Infertility Within the
Military Family - submissions by June 1, 2002
September 2002 – Infertility Awareness Month – submissions by August 1, 2002
October 2002 – Pregnancy Loss Month and Thanksgiving – submissions by September 1, 2002
November 2002 – Adoption Awareness Month – submissions by October 1, 2002
December 2002 – Christmas and Holiday Coping – submissions by November 1, 2002
Newsletter Submission and Reprint Information
Hannah's Prayer is a California based, non-profit 501(c)(3)
organization, established Jan 1, 1995. All staff members are unpaid volunteers who are proclaiming
Christians (from a range of denominational backgrounds) and have personal
experience with the heartache of fertility challenges. 
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