My husband Shawn and I had one simple dream: to have a baby. But as we began
trying, life had other plans. At the same time, we became involved in a church
community focused on foster care and felt called to become certified foster parents. Amid fertility treatments and medical procedures, we experienced both the joy of a
pregnancy and the heartbreak of a miscarriage. It was a painful season, but one filled with glimmers of hope—including a literal rainbow in the sky just when we needed it most.

Through the next few years, we fostered, we grieved, and we kept moving forward. In
2019, we adopted our incredible son, Jace! With the help of a grant from FFOTX, we continued our journey with IVF, and in 2020, we got pregnant. Our son River was born on Halloween night. In 2023, our second son, Finn, arrived on Christmas Eve—and just like that, our family was complete!

One thing’s certain: we fought for our family, and FFOTX made that possible. Their support gave us the means to keep going when the road felt overwhelming. We are eternally grateful this organization exists and hope we can support other families the way we were supported. This year, we are proud to take that support a step further.

In 2025, I joined the board of the Fertility Foundation of Texas, and together, Shawn and I are honored to give back to the organization that played such a vital role in building our family. It’s our hope that by sharing our story and serving in this new way, we can help bring hope and healing to others still on their journey.

From a young age, I always dreamed of becoming a mother. When my husband and I began trying to conceive, we thought it would happen naturally in time. But as months turned into years, the empty rooms and repeated disappointment began to take a toll, and we discovered medical issues. Still, I clung to my faith and the belief that God’s promises included motherhood for me. I committed to doing everything I could to pursue this dream, but financially, the road ahead felt impossible.

And then we discovered FFOTX and applied for a grant. When I received the call to meet with FFOTX, I cried tears of joy—and when I learned we were awarded the grant, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude, hope, and renewed strength.

The support from FFOTX allowed us to focus on our journey without the heavy burden of financial stress. Their generosity helped make our dreams a reality. Today, we are the proud parents of two beautiful, healthy daughters—ages 5 and 8. I am incredibly thankful for the blessings I do have. My heart is full.

For FFOTX, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone to share what this foundation has done for our family. I hope our journey inspires others and shows that with faith, persistence, and the right support, miracles are possible. We will always hold FFOTX close to our hearts.

Meet Brandon & Lindsay
Infertility journeys are never simple, and theirs was no exception. They began their path to parenthood feeling hopeful and prepared—until unexpected challenges arose. After a year of trying, they faced many obstacles that made the road ahead feel overwhelming.

Thanks to a financial grant from FFOTX, they welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world through IVF in 2022. While the road was difficult, it ultimately led them to a life filled with joy and gratitude. FFOTX played a crucial role in their story, making the impossible possible and turning heartbreak into hope. Because of their infertility journey, Lindsay chose a career change and now works for a nonprofit supporting children in foster care who are looking for their forever families.

Lindsay shared, “All in all, the journey was difficult, but if it wasn’t my story, I wouldn’t have the amazing life I have today. Thanks to FFOTX, we have a wonderful boy, and he is everything we had ever hoped for!”

Meet Cory & Sierra
They dreamed of having children and building a family—a home filled with love, laughter, and the joy of watching their little ones grow. But when they discovered they would need IVF to conceive, their excitement quickly turned into worry. The emotional and physical challenges of infertility were overwhelming on their own, but the financial burden that comes with IVF made their journey even more daunting.

Then, they found the Fertility Foundation of Texas (FFOTX). With the support of their financial grant, they were able to continue their IVF journey, pushing forward even when the path felt uncertain. That determination led to the birth of their beautiful daughter—proof that their dream of parenthood was within reach. Now, with the continued support of FFOTX, they are expecting a baby boy!

As Sierra reflects on their journey, she shares, “I think about y’all often, and we are so thankful for your grant. What a blessing y’all have been.”

Dr. Turner was recruited to Austin in 1993 by Dr. Thomas Vaughn, the Texas Fertility Center founder who established the city’s first IVF program at St. David’s. As Director of Austin IVF (now Ovation Fertility Austin), Tom oversaw the growth of the lab to employ seven embryologist and increasing the number of IVF cycles from 95 in 1993 to over 2000 in 2016.

Tom’s career began at Human Embryology’s infancy in the early 1970s. He was the embryologist who performed the world’s first GIFT (gamete intra-fallopian transfer) procedure at the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio.

In addition to running several successful IVF laboratories, Tom has served in national leadership positions and as a consultant to IVF programs worldwide.

Megan McCoin, MD, is an obstetrician and gynecologist (ob-gyn) at Ascension Seton in Austin, TX. She listens to understand you and your preferences as a woman. Then, she works with you to deliver compassionate, personalized prenatal care throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery. Dr. McCoin has a special interest in providing compassionate care in both the obstetrical and gynecological setting. When not caring for patients, she enjoys reading, running and traveling.

Tara Joyner (herself, an former infertility patient) is a licensed professional counselor with a private practice in Austin who, for nearly a decade, has helped bring healing to couples and individuals faced with infertility, intimacy barriers and other challenges.

Representing private equity funds, hospitals, surgery centers, home, health agencies, physician practices and specialized service providers, myriad of players in the healthcare industry benefit from Amanda Jester’s ability to structure and execute sophisticated transactions. Amanda’s deal experience is complemented by her ability to help navigate clients through the regulatory and compliance issues that often arise in complex corporate transactions.

An integral member of Waller’s expansive national healthcare department, Amanda brought her cutting edge skill-set to the firm in 2013 to guide investors, owners and operators in mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, contracting and compliance issues. Whether she is representing private equity funds investing in national dental service organizations or advising healthcare portfolio companies as they examine strategic investment opportunities, Amanda is a trusted partner for the rapidly growing private equity and venture capital backed presence in today’s healthcare market.

Originating Branch Manager at Crosscountry Mortgage

Ashley Brueckner is a Managing Director at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. As a leader of the Austin Market, Ashley oversees a group of Advisors who specialize in advising affluent clients and institutions, helping them think through their complex needs in order to make the best possible financial decisions. 

Ashley engages with key leaders and strategic partners, playing an influential role in broadening J.P. Morgan’s impact on the community. In her multifaced role, Ashley has collaborated with some of the most prominent families and institutions in the region and leverages this experience to build an environment of excellence for her team. Her focus is on bridging the gap between the global resources of an industry leader and the differentiated needs of her clients in Austin. 

“Passionate” and “enthusiastic” are apt descriptors for Ashley’s approach to her role. Ashley’s clients value her devotion to them, as well as her sound, straightforward advice that’s always focused on their best interests. A natural and enthusiastic connector, Ashley has a talent for making introductions, whether linking like-minded entrepreneurs or providing networking opportunities for companies and capital providers. Ashley is passionate about supporting women founders and investors, and chaired the first PowerHER conference for 250 female business leaders in Austin. 

Katie joined the FFOTX Board in 2025, bringing both professional expertise in nutrition and a deeply personal connection to the Foundation’s mission. A native of Columbus, Ohio, she began her journey in service through the Peace Corps following her graduation from The Ohio State University. Her dedication to community health led her to pursue a Master of Public Health at The University of Texas at Austin.

As a former FFOTX grant recipient and adoptive mom, Katie offers a uniquely compassionate perspective. Her own path to parenthood fuels her commitment to supporting individuals and families navigating fertility challenges. She is passionate about advancing the Foundation’s mission through education, advocacy, and emotional support.

Outside of her work, Katie enjoys pottery, yoga, and gardening. She lives in Austin with her husband and three children, and cherishes time spent with family and friends.