A hopeful future.
V Teamer Irene DeRouen shares her IVF journey.
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On today’s episode of Up To Speed, we meet V Teamer Irene DeRouen, a project manager for Verizon’s Global Network & Technology team in Houston.
Along with her career, which includes almost a decade working in various roles at Verizon, Irene’s greatest passion has been motherhood, but the journey hasn’t always been easy. “At age 16, I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome,” Irene recalled. “I always knew it wouldn’t be the easiest to have children.” Determined to start her own family, she underwent two rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI), which helped her have her son, who’s now 10.
And seven months ago, when Irene began the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF), Verizon’s benefits package – whose options include fertility services – helped offset the cost of procedures that are often expensive. “If it wasn't for the benefits that Verizon offers,” she said, “I wouldn't even be at this point.”
So far, she’s had two IVF cycles and doesn’t intend to give up anytime soon: “I'm confident that it’s going to work, and I will be able to not only give my son a sibling or siblings, but also to have that experience of pregnancy and raising a newborn.”
She encourages V Teamers with similar journeys to share their stories and experiences to foster a culture that encourages others to continue to support each other.
