Charlotte women share infertility stories during National Infertility Awareness Week to help others and promote health care coverage.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As National Infertility Awareness Week highlights a condition affecting millions of people globally, two Charlotte women are sharing their difficult journeys to parenthood to help others facing similar challenges.
“Infertility is a roller coaster, and it hits you anywhere you are,” Nichelle Sublett, who endured a six-year struggle with infertility alongside her husband before successfully having a child through in vitro fertilization (IVF) after five miscarriages, said. “Emotionally, I was wrecked throughout the process. I thought it was going to happen easily because we were young. I didn’t anticipate there would be any problems or issues, so the surprise of it was difficult to reconcile with.”
The World Health Organization estimates roughly one in six people worldwide are affected by infertility. The awareness week aims to demonstrate to legislators and the public infertility is a widespread issue deserving comprehensive health care coverage.
Sarah Ekis also battled infertility, undergoing multiple treatments without success.
“I did three rounds of IVF,” Ekis said. “We did three egg retrievals, seven embryo transfers, and none of them stuck. We had success with donor embryos.”
Both women have used their experiences to support others on similar journeys. Sublett launched her own fertility coaching business, while Ekis now runs a local support group through RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association.
“I tell people to think about it like I’m your fertility friend,” Sublett explains about her coaching services. “I’m that person that’s gonna be there as you’re walking your path to parenthood, whatever that looks like.”
Ekis remembered feeling isolated during her fertility struggles before finding community.
“I joined a support group through RESOLVE,” Ekis said. “It just felt like it changed my life. I just felt like I was around people who got it, around people who understood.”
On Saturday, RESOLVE is hosting the Walk of Hope at Truist Field in Charlotte to raise funds and awareness about infertility. The organization works to empower individuals on their fertility journeys and advocates for supportive legislation.
Despite the challenges, both women expressed a sense of personal growth through their experiences.
“I do feel proud of myself for getting through that and … proud of our marriage for getting through all that,” Sublett said.
To donate to RESOLVE’s efforts, visit its website.
Contact Lisa Washington at lisawashington@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
