New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón and his wife, Ashley Rodón, are expanding their efforts to support families facing infertility. Through their Carlos Rodón Foundation, they have now assisted 57 families in affording fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF).
The foundation's Willow Grant program, named after their daughter, provides up to $10,000 for medical care and other family-building costs. This initiative has already resulted in three babies being born, with 14 more on the way.
The couple's commitment stems from their personal experiences with infertility and two miscarriages before the birth of their daughter, Willow. Carlos Rodón shared that the challenges of infertility are not widely discussed and can be particularly difficult for young couples. "You don’t realize, especially at a young age, how many people struggled with infertility. You don’t understand how hard it is to make a child," he stated.
Ashley Rodón highlighted the significant financial burden of fertility treatments, noting that a single IVF cycle can cost up to $30,000 in the U.S., and insurance coverage remains limited. This financial strain, coupled with the emotional toll of infertility and pregnancy loss, can lead to isolation and hopelessness.
The third annual Willow Gala in Brooklyn recently raised over $1 million, furthering the foundation's mission. The event celebrated the foundation's milestones and shared stories from families who have benefited from the grants. Kaila and Christian Black, whose son Stetson was the first Willow grant baby, and Taylor and Travis, whose son Cayson was born with grant assistance after years of unexplained fertility issues, spoke at the gala.
Ashley Rodón emphasized the need for greater awareness and proactive reproductive health education. She believes that addressing these issues earlier, similar to general health education, can empower individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive futures. The foundation aims to not only provide financial assistance but also foster a sense of community among those navigating infertility.
The Rodóns also advocate for broader changes in insurance coverage for fertility treatments, noting that these services are often treated as elective rather than essential for those struggling with infertility. "For some reason we are still battling with insurance as an elective thing, and it’s not an elective thing to to be having be struggling with infertility," Ashley Rodón said. "There hasn’t really been a needle push, and that’s really what we want to see come about."