A Reunion of Little Miracles in Clawson

CLAWSON, Mich. (WJBK) - In many ways, a happy gathering was nothing short of a miracle. Every family at a recent "baby reunion" in Clawson had some sort of struggle with infertility.

"We went for several years that we were hoping and hoping and hoping," said Katherine Lahey, a mother of triplets.  "Not at all how we expected to start our family.  We thought one at a time would be just fine, but apparently there was another plan in store for us.  So, we got lucky all at one trip and now we're done."

"We were completely unexplained. They couldn't find anything wrong with either of us," said Karis Hollis. "We tried a bunch of different things and finally have (twins) through our first in vitro attempt."

While each story is different, the emotions are the same. That longing to have a child is a feeling I know about all too well.

"In your situation, there was a very limited opportunity and chance of conceiving. Your chances of conceiving each month that you would try were well under five-percent," said Dr. William Keye.

Back in 2008, I shared my story about my own struggle with infertility. People still ask me about it today. Despite some discouraging odds and a problem producing eggs, I managed to get pregnant with the help of fertility drugs and insemination. My daughter, Olivia, is now three.

"There's a little bit of art, a little bit of medicine, but I think there's a lot of hope and some good wishes along the way that help us conceive these miracles for these families," said Dr. Brad Miller.

He and his staff at RMA in Troy have helped hundreds of couples have children. A few weeks ago, they hosted a reunion to bring patients and their precious babies together.

RMA first opened in Troy in 2006. Since that time, they say 700 babies have been born locally thanks to in vitro fertilization alone.

"It's very humbling to be able to be a part of this, and we're very happy to see so many families that are just blessed with children," Miller said.

Samantha Rickard of Grand Blanc has one of the newest IVF babies. She brought along eleven-day-old Alexander James.

"It was hard and tiring and painful with all the shots and the drugs. You know, it takes a toll on your body," she said.

However, like the rest of the moms and dads in the crowd, she said it was all worth it to create a new life.

"It means a lot. It was because of me that we couldn't have kids naturally, so it means a lot that we have a son," said Kevin Rickard, her husband.

The procedures don't work for everyone. RMA has a new program to reimburse families who spend tens of thousands of dollars and don't see results

However, for those of us who have succeeded, our lives are forever changed. Chances are my daughter wouldn't be here without modern medicine. On behalf of all the families, I know I can say we'll always be grateful.

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RMA provided us with the following information on their 100% Refund P rogram:

The Premier IVF 100% Refund Program is now being offered at RMA of Michigan. The Program allows IVF patients age 39 and younger who meet the Program criteria to pay a fixed, discounted fee for up to three (3) fresh cycles and three (3) frozen cycles. The Premier IVF 100% Donor Refund Program is also offered at RMA of Michigan. Patients have two years to complete all six cycles, and, if they do not have a live birth, they are refunded 100% of their Program Fee. Premier IVF works with IVF centers that consistently have high success rates. RMA of Michigan was the first IVF center in the country to launch the 100% Refund Program and will be the only IVF center in Michigan to offer it.

RMA of Michigan's website is www.rmami.com.