Patient Spotlight: Rebecca Cleere
In 2013, Rebecca was diagnosed with stage 2 endometrial cancer. After learning the treatment would likely leave her infertile, she chose freeze her eggs with Dr. Walid Saleh at CRE. The team at CRE was honored to play a role in Rebecca’s journey and to help her preserve her fertility and the chance of having a child in the future. Rebecca bravely faced several challenges over the next few years, including a hysterectomy. In 2016, after marrying the love of her life, Rebecca and her husband returned to CRE in hopes of starting their family. Rebecca’s previous cancer treatment meant that she and her husband would need the help of a Fertility Specialist and would need a surrogate to have a child. Rebecca’s journey took an incredible turn when her sister offered to help and to be her surrogate. Together, with the help of Dr. Saleh and the expert team at CRE, Rebecca and her husband achieved their dreams of becoming parents, and they welcomed their beautiful daughter this past December.
Read more on Rebecca’s special journey in her own words below!
On the Staff at CRE:
“Everyone we have come in contact with at Dr. Saleh’s office has been awesome. The financial counselor, Karen, helped and was so patient with us on the financial side. Our nurse, Heather took the time to sit down with my sister and I. She never rushed us out the door and answered every question we had. She was also great about returning calls. And I can’t forget Dr. Saleh. He is a true professional but has a great sense of humor that make a difficult process a bit easier. It was a 3-year process and the entire staff was great the whole time.”
About Her Experience:
“I would say the process was long and had a lot of waiting, but was definitely worth every second. The staff took great care of myself and my sister who is my surrogate. Infertility can be such a taboo subject to discuss and as a woman is so difficult to come to grips with the fact that I couldn’t have my own baby. I am so thankful that I learned about CRE. Dr. Saleh took the time to look at my case specifically and understand the unique needs that I had. I never felt like a number and always had personalized attention.”
Her Message:
“Don’t give up. There is hope. My biggest piece of advice would be, to be patient. Trust the process, trust the doctor and pray. I would also suggest to have a strong support system including spouse, siblings, family and friends. Don’t be afraid to share. Let others share in your joy and sorrow.”