We are so grateful for your love and support as we start this next chapter together. We will not be having a traditional wedding registry. Instead we have created a fundraiser to support a future family of our own.

Due to having Huntingtons gene in the family, we have decided to pursue IVF for genetic testing. This journey will occur when we feel the time is right for us. Until then, any contributions will be held in an interest-earning savings account.

If you’d like to contribute to our fund, there will be a donation area at the wedding where guests can drop off cards (cash or cheque).

For anyone who prefers to donate digitally, we have also set up an e-transfer option. An email will be linked to a joint savings account - stay tuned for this option!

Huntingtons Disease is an inherited disease - meaning that it is passed down through families.

Overtime, it can lead to progressive damage to certain parts of the brain, which can lead to problems with:

- Movement

- Thinking and memory

- Mood and mental health

Many people don’t show symptoms until adulthood — often between ages 30-50, though it can vary.

Genetic testing helps because Huntington’s is passed down through families, and if a parent carries the gene, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. With IVF, embryos can be genetically tested before pregnancy, so only embryos without the Huntingtons gene are chosen, greatly reducing the risk of passing it on.

Because Alberta does not have universal public funding for IVF, most of the costs are out-of-pocket.

Typical total costs (per IVF cycle):

IVF cycle: ~ $10,000–$15,000+

Medications: ~ $4,000–$7,000 (can vary a lot)

Genetic testing (PGT-M + biopsy/testing fees): often $6,000–$10,000+

Embryo freezing/storage + transfer fees: additional costs may apply

Most couples end up around: $18,000–$30,000+ per full round (retrieval + meds + genetic testing), depending on clinic, meds, and number of embryos tested.

Success depends heavily on age + embryo quality. A commonly quoted Canadian average is:

Live birth per embryo transfer: ~ 30–40% overall

It is also important to note that this statistic can be skewed, because many people using IVF already have fertility challenges, which can lower success rates compared to couples using IVF for genetic testing.

https://www.huntingtonsociety.ca/learn-about-hd/what-is-huntingtons/