Oswego Couple Organizing Golf Outing to Benefit Infertile Couples

On Saturday, the Birdies for Babies Golf Outing will offer one couple another chance to achieve their dream of becoming parents.

Brooke and Travis Rice are the chosen beneficiaries for the 2011 Birdies for Babies event, which provides a $20,000 grant for fertility services with Fertility Centers of Illinois with proceeds from the event.

“In an instant, I went from not being able to be a mother to having a chance again,” said Rice.

Oswego residents Todd and Melissa Trader struggled with infertility for five years and endured five failed in vitro fertilization cycles before the birth of their daughter Jordan, who is now 5.

“None of it was covered by insurance, it was very expensive and we were fortunate to be able to afford the treatments. We wanted to provide some hope for people that can’t,” said Todd Trader.

Since both Todd and Melissa Trader have expertise in the golf field and planning golf events, they started the annual Birdies for Babies event and selected one family to help each year. This is the eighth annual Birdies for Babies event.

“The Traders are simply wonderful. They have given me the greatest gift ever, the chance to have a baby. They are amazing to do this,” said Rice.

Rice, 34, says there’s no family history of infertility and doctors say her infertility is “unexplained” despite three miscarriages, four years of trying to conceive, various treatments and a round of in vitro fertilization.

“The dream of wanting to become a mom” keeps Rice motivated to keep trying for a baby but the couple cannot afford any further treatments, having already paid $25,000 out of pocket. Birdies for Babies is their opportunity and Rice plans to use the Birdies for Babies proceeds to undergo another round of in vitro fertilization.

Dr. Edward Marut is the medical director of Fertility Centers of Illinois’s Highland Park IVF Center and a Birdies for Babies supporter.

"When a woman is under 35 years old, we expect pregnancy the first time with IVF. There is a greater than 50 percent chance," said Marut.

One round of in vitro fertilization without insurance costs about $12,000, depending on the patient. Drugs cost an additional $2,000 to $6,000, said Marut.

“The majority of patients do have insurance coverage for up to four cycles. Less than 15 percent are self-pay,” said Marut.

Three years ago, Fertility Centers of Illinois got involved with the event and last year they became the title sponsor.

“Our sponsor dollars have doubled, maybe even tripled, with their support. They have also made a big difference in building awareness of the event,” said Todd Trader. “We hope to create more awareness. Infertility is an issue that is not talked about but it affects lots of people. We also wanted to create a community. Infertility is a life-changing experience — emotionally, financially and mentally."

The 2011 Birdies for Babies golf event is set for Saturday, Sept. 24 at Tamarack Golf Club. Shotgun start at 8 a.m. The $140 per ticket includes:

• Bloody Mary/screwdriver bar.
• Round of golf with cart.
• Breakfast sponsored by Entenmann’s.
• Beverages on course sponsored by Anheuser-Busch/City Beverage.
• Buffet lunch.
• Raffles and silent auction.
• Tee bag and gift bag retailed at more than $200.

“Our goal is to provide as much value as possible. We want people to enjoy the event and want to come back,” said Todd Trader.

The beneficiary application is available online. The beneficiary must be diagnosed with infertility, less than 42 years old, be trying for their first child and either have no insurance or have exhausted coverage. Todd Trader estimates 10 to 15 applications are submitted each year.

“We hope to help as many families as we can. In the future we may be able to choose more than one family or grow and add other events,” said Todd Trader.