Cape Town Infertility get-together / support group / eggs over easy

Hi all

Only applicable if you live in Cape Town, South Africa or if you have a LOT of frequent flyer miles)

 I have been thinking and thinking about this. For those who ‘know’ me, you know how passionate I am about infertility, and how much I want to give back and support those who are still going through all of this.

I have had the most amazing feedback from people who have read my book and who are in desperate need to talk to someone, someone who ‘gets’ what it is like to live in this world. I remember when I was going through my IVF’s, I so badly wanted to connect with other people who understood what it was like to feel like the only person on the planet who could not conceive. 

 I have met a few people one-on-one but I obviously can’t meet everyone. Unfortunately there is this thing called ‘work’ which keeps interfering with my personal life – very childish! And yet I want to be able to support people, meet them and chat, offer advice, or even just a shoulder.

 Local support groups for those still trying to conceive (of which are they are hardly any) are wonderful things but they seem to be very transient – people either get pregnant and move on, or they no longer wish to be part of a TTC group.* 

 Sooooo …. I’ve been playing around with the idea of a breakfast.  Some kind of breakfast (or lunch – lunch would mean we could have wine….. mmmm, wine….) where we could get together with a group of people and chat / bond / share etc.  I can say a few words, if that is what people want, or we can just bond. 

 People often ask me what got me through nine IVF’s. And besides therapy, AD’s and determination bordering on obsession stubbornness, the answer would be support!  I had amazing ‘friends in the computer’, but not everyone likes to live in the cyber world.

 I am crap at organizing these things plus I really am hectically busy with my new job / blog / book etc, so I would probably ask someone to help me with the logistics. But if we got a venue, somewhere that charged a set fee, then we could just pay our 50 ront or whatever and have a lovely time. Besides the learning and support, it could be an excellent networking opportunity.

 What do you think of this idea? Would you come? If it works, I wouldn’t mind doing this once a month.

 Some questions to consider:

· Would a week night or Saturday suit you better? (I am not big on going out during the week, but that is because I am very old and very boring. Plus am not keen to drive at night. But I will go with the popular vote.)
· Breakfast or lunch or supper?
· Husbands / partners or not? (We can have some partner free events and some with partner events)
· How often should we have these meetings / events?
· I could ask people to be guest speakers – fertility specialists, therapists, acupuncturists etc
· Anything else?
 

Am going to post this on my blog and on the infertility BB’s. Please let me know what your thoughts are.

 PS I’ve thought about Jhb and Durban, and who knows – perhaps if I am coming up for business anyway, we could do it there? 

*I've edited this paragraph. It was so badly worded previously that it caused unintentional hurt to a group whom I never meant to exclude.  Huge apologies.

 

Comments

[J]

I'd love to join in and/or help out with arranging etc.
Let me know.

[mel]

Absolutely fantastic idea. I will help. Obviously. Phoning you now. xxx

[Flicka]

I wish I could come but alas, Sarge won't allow me to buy a ticket to SA. Very childish of him, I think. I hope you all have a lovely time, though!

[Suzie-Q.]

Perhaps you could charge one extra ront (?) per person and raise enough ronts to fly me over...
(BTW... what is a ront?)

[Lauryan]

I like the JHB idea. I'd come just to meet you.

Perhaps you could do a book signing tour at the same time? Just for, you know, more publicity?? :D

And free wine??!!??

[Jazz]

Super idea!

Hope there will be one when I am next in CT visiting CFC (planning Apr/May).

If there is someway I can help, pls let me know how.

[Sonja]

Wonderful idea!! When do u want the preferences from the masses??

[Nix]

That is a fantastic idea. I have been composing an e-mail to you for quite some time now and have never gotten around to sending it - would love to meet you and chat to you in person.

As for the preferences, Saturday lunch (with wine please!) would be great, but I am not that fussed as long as we could have wine. Looking forward to this.

Also wouldn't mind giving you a hand if you like.

[Lash]

Would be fantastic to get together.
Sat lunch or an evening is fine for me.
Perhaps an idea is to begin without partners and then include as the group decides.
Let me know if I can help book a restaurant - northern, southern, or city bowl?

[G]

Great idea....like you read minds.
Sat breakfast my vote (croissant appeals even more than wine, esp since the latter is off limits for at least half the month these days...), monthly, husbs/partners sometimes, speakers too. Sooner the better!

[Charupton]

A big resounding absolutely definitely YES PLEASE! for Durbs. A yummy Sunday brunch would be great for two reasons... 1) I'm one of the 'no alcohol' TTC variety; and 2) I know of many other TTC's who work Saturdays that would LOVE to be there.

[Celest]

Great idea! How about Northern suburbs or a wine farm. You know - straight at the source! Saturday morning or lunch would suit me best. Poplar's in Durbanville jumps to mind, or Fairview just outside Paarl (too far?). Please let me know if there is anything I can do?

[TT]

Hi Tertia
From one of those who contacted you previously but haven't yet managed to meet up - what a great idea! I know of others in CT who'd be equally keen. Personally I'd vote for lunch with wine, Saturday, northern suburbs, but I'll go with majority vote. Can we do this soon!? I'd be happy to help in any way.

[projgen]

Great. Now I have to come up with the money for another cycle AND a plane ticket to SA? Sheesh.

Sounds like a great plan, T - I hope this flies and you all have a wonderful time together.

[LK]

Sounds like a great idea. I vote for Saturday lunch.

[caroline coetzee]

I will love this.

[Annabel]

Excellent idea, where do i sign up?