March’s Lucky Charm: Shannon’s Journey to Motherhood with a Side of Magic
March brings with it a whisper of spring and the luck of the Irish, making it the perfect backdrop for a story that's equal parts inspiration and miracle. This month, we're diving into Shannon's adventure to motherhood—a tale that might just convince you that magic exists, especially when it comes to creating families.
Shannon's got that everyday hero vibe going on. She’s out there changing lives as a Physical Therapy Assistant and breaking barriers with her fluency in American Sign Language. Growing up with the strength of a single mom and the camaraderie of siblings, she was no stranger to the power of perseverance and love. So, when the time came to craft her own tale of family, Shannon was more than ready to face the music, dance through the rain, and chase her rainbow.
A Solo Start With a Twist of Fate
Shannon embarked on her path to motherhood with a heart full of hope and a clear vision: she would be a single mother by choice. Her initial foray into IVF, using her own egg and donor sperm, was a rollercoaster that ended in a chemical pregnancy after 16 days—a tough pill to swallow but one that only strengthened her resolve. The high costs of donor eggs nudged Shannon towards donor embryos, a decision that would soon take her life in a direction she hadn't anticipated.
Just as she was preparing for her second donor embryo transfer, Shannon met the love of her life. This serendipitous meeting turned her solo journey into a shared adventure, filled with love, support, and the shared dream of starting a family.
A Shared Dream and a New Beginning
In the spring of 2022, Shannon's partner, embracing the dream of expanding their family, started a job that came with IVF benefits—a godsend for the couple. Despite being 43 and having undergone a partial hysterectomy, Shannon's partner was determined to explore her ability to contribute genetically to their child. A visit to the renowned Dr. Check of the Cooper Institute brought unexpected but welcome news: they had plenty to work with. Their journey took a hopeful turn as they embarked on the process of creating embryos from her partner's eggs, which Shannon would carry.
Their optimism was met with both highs and lows. An initial fresh transfer of four embryos resulted in heartbreak, but Shannon, ever resilient, chose to give her body and heart time to heal before trying again.

Shannon on transfer day!
The Miracle of Grayson Arlo James
On January 4, 2023, with faith as their guide, Shannon underwent the transfer of their last three frozen embryos. The wait that followed was filled with prayers and hope, culminating in a positive pregnancy test just 12 days later. Shannon's journey, marked by four clinics, 11 embryos, and countless needles, finally led to the moment they had been dreaming of: the birth of their beautiful baby boy, Grayson Arlo James, on August 15, 2023. Despite experiencing preeclampsia and the challenges it brought, Shannon's story reached a joyful climax with Grayson's arrival via C-section in the early hours of the morning.


A Journey of Hope, Love, and Perseverance
Shannon's journey to motherhood is a testament to the power of hope, the strength found in partnership, and the miracles that perseverance can bring. Her story is a reminder that the path to achieving our dreams is rarely straightforward, but with love, support, and a bit of luck, anything is possible. If you're moved by Shannon's story and wish to follow her journey more closely, you can connect with her on Instagram at @Lilnana2240 and on Facebook as Nana Sellers.
For anyone out there navigating their own journey to motherhood, let Shannon's story be a source of inspiration and encouragement. The road may be long, and the challenges many, but the outcome—the joy of holding your baby in your arms—is worth every step.

If Shannon’s story has touched your heart, or if you have your own tale of hope and triumph to share, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at hello@everyshadeofinfertility.com, and let’s spread hope and joy together. For those beginning their journey or seeking guidance on finding an egg donor or embryos, our free course, Your Match, is here to help.
Remember, in the journey to motherhood, every step taken is a step closer to your dream. This March, may you find your lucky charm in the stories of others, in the support of the community, and in the strength within yourself.
GO GET YOUR BABY!