March 24, 2008

Manic Monday: Egg


Morgan selected egg as the Manic Monday meme word this week. Of course, I imagine most folks are going with the traditional tie-in of Easter eggs. I imagine someone will tell us the origin of Easter egg hunts and that big bunny rabbit. Seems out of step with the whole crucifixion and resurrection storyline from the Bible. Anyhow, I'm going in a different direction. Did you know that there are a shortage of African American egg donors?

Not the Easter egg variety ... more like the fertility vs. infertility variety. At many donor egg agencies, infertile couples looking for African American egg donors are often encouraged to place themselves on waiting lists and to sign up at more than one egg donor program. The emotional challenge of dealing with infertility must be rough from the start ... so the dearth of African American egg donors must truly try the patience of aspiring African American parents in need of this service.

Turns out that there is a company called F. Williams Donor Egg Services that specializes in African American egg donors. I'm told that they have over 30 smart, attractive donors in their database. This company helps Black couples find racially diverse egg donors so that they might end up with a baby in their arms. And, after all ... as those of us that are parents can attest ... the joy of having children is worth any investment of time or money.

Finally, since I know how some villagers are curious --> click here to learn how you can become an egg donor!

20 comments:

Gattina said...

That's really sad for young couples who can't get children.

Sandee said...

Okay you made me chuckle with the, "And, after all ... as those of us that are parents can attest ... the joy of having children is worth any investment of time or money." comment. My first thought was I agree right up until they turn into teenagers. Very well done as always. Have a great MM. :)

Ivanhoe said...

What a cool twist on an egg assignment! Happy MM!

Anndi said...

I love starting the week by learning something new.

I wonder why more people don't donate?

Great MM!

Traveling Bells said...

We just had a couple visit with us that can't get preggars. That always makes me sad, especially when you just know they would make good parents. Good twist on the egg word!

Nancy Lindquist-Liedel said...

The Easter egg thing comes from long before the bible, but someone probably got into that in their blog today.

what a neat thing to write about!!! I had no idea there was a dearth of African American donors for eggs. It makes sense, because I've heard there are fewer African American sperm donors as well. What a wonderful thing to write about!!!!! I hope this helps a lot of wonderful and deserving people become forever families.

Barb said...

Speaking as someone who was in a fertlity program for 10+ years trying to have a child, I think that's marvelous!! Bravo for your perspective and take on the prompt this week.

Anonymous said...

This is a great post, Villager. I wish those people well in finding the eggs they so much want.

Happy Manic Easter Monday.

Namaste

maryt/theteach said...

Great take on the egg theme, Wayne! Hope you ad an enjoyable Easter!

Sandy M said...

Great way to see the 'egg' challenge.

Unknown said...

All - Thank you to everyone who took the time to support and comment on my MM post this week...

Mo and The Purries said...

While I'm sure having your own children is the #1 choice for parents, there are SO many children in this country, and I know in the African-American community, that need adoption. I used to be in a volunteer program in Louisville that would take foster kids out to things like the zoo - I was always amazed at the number of kids that needed good parents. I bonded with the most special little girl. I just wanted to take her home with me!
Thanks for participating in Manic Mondays!
Cheers,
~manic mo

Sai Hijara - Ferraris said...

Another interesting entry!

Durward Discussion said...

I know you have probably written about it before, but the same problems exist in organ donations as well as blood and pharesis contributions. It makes it very difficult to make genetic matches without participation in these programs.

I love the picture of the hands.

Unknown said...

Jamie - Good reminder about the need for more African Americans to sign up for organ donation at death as well as for bone marrow donations during life. I don't know that I've blogged on them in the past ... but, I will try to do so in the future...

Mo - I agree that adoption is something that all couples should consider. Thank you for the timely reminder...

Travis Cody said...

I guess I never thought of this. I just assumed that fertility clinics were able to get what they needed so that all couples could be treated, without regard to race.

Thanks for the information, as always.

Anonymous said...

Great take on the theme!

Linda said...

I'm with Travis on this one, that's just something I never even would have thought of. Thank you for pointing it out and I hope that the situation soon changes so that couples who trouble conceiving can someday know the joy of parenthood!

Lola Gets said...

My lesbain friend who just had a Black baby (shes caucasian) told me that theres a dearth of Black sperm on the market as well. For some reason, I thought it was because of a lack of demmand in the market, but she says no. Go figure.

Personally, I still favor adoption. Thats what Im looking forward to doing in the future.

L

Unknown said...

Lola - We had two miscarriages before our first child was born. We were looking to adoption if we couldn't make our babies. I wish you well in your adoption efforts moving forward...