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Lovella Rose Machiko Stastny
You may be wondering why a story like this is being shared here. After much thought and internal debate, I decided to open up and share a deeply personal part of my life. My name is Katerina, and I am the owner of Katerina's Darling Bridal. I struggle with infertility—a journey that has brought pain, heartbreak, and resilience into my life.
This story is raw, real, and vulnerable, but I believe it’s important to share because I know I am not alone in this struggle. Infertility affects 1 in 6 women, yet it’s often a silent battle. For me, this battle has been an eight-year journey filled with heartache, frustration, and moments when the sadness felt too much to bear. My husband and I have experienced five devastating losses—four miscarriages and one early birth.
On March 8, 2024, our beautiful daughter, Lovella, was born. She arrived three months too soon but brought so much hope and love into our hearts. Tragically, just four days later, on March 12, 2024, she became our angel. We miss her every single day. My arms ache to hold her again, but her brief time with us gave me strength and purpose—to turn my pain into something meaningful for others.
In her honor, I’ve created Lovella's Gift of Hope, a grant program to support women and couples who are struggling with infertility and pregnancy loss. My husband and I know all too well the emotional and financial burden that comes with infertility. We went through three rounds of IVF, paid entirely out of pocket, after being denied grant assistance. Each cycle can cost $15,000 to $30,000 or more, and the weight of that expense is immense.
Although we didn’t receive grants ourselves, we were blessed by the generosity of our community during our most difficult time. After losing Lovella, the donations we received allowed us to grieve and keep the store running. For that, we are endlessly grateful. Now, I want to give back to others in the same way.
Starting January 2025, 2% of every sale made at Katerina's Darling Bridal will go directly into Lovella's Gift of Hope. This fund will support a local couple who is still holding onto the hope of having a child. In addition to our store contributions, we welcome direct donations from anyone who feels moved to help. Every dollar counts, and all contributions will go toward easing the financial stress of infertility treatments.
In December 2025, we will gift the collected funds to a local couple who has not yet been blessed with a child. Our hope is that this grant can provide them with a chance to experience the joy of holding their own precious baby. While money cannot heal the pain of infertility, we hope this gift can ease some of the burden and
bring love and hope to someone in need.
Lovella's Gift of Hope
Lovella’s Gift of Hope is a grant designed to support women and couples facing infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. These experiences are deeply personal, yet often difficult to discuss. We created this fund to help ease the financial stress of treatment and to
honor the memory of our daughter, Lovella.
Grant funds can be used for the following:
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Infertility medications, supplies, and treatments
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In-vitro fertilization (IVF)
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Oocyte vitrification (egg freezing)
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Embryo cryopreservation (embryo freezing)
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Third-party reproduction (surrogate through an existing surrogate company)
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The grant check will be written directly to the reproductive endocrinology facility chosen by the recipient.
Eligibility Requirements
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Applicants must be citizens or legal residents of Durango or the surrounding areas.
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Applicants must have a medical diagnosis of infertility certified by a healthcare provider (please include the provider’s name).
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This gift is for individuals or couples who have not yet been blessed with a child.
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There is a non-refundable $50 application fee, which will go directly into the scholarship fund.
If you’re reading this and feel seen, know that you are not alone. I see you. I feel you. I understand your pain. Lovella’s memory will live on through this grant, and we hope it brings light and hope to others in their journey.
Donate to Lovella’s Gift of Hope
If you’d like to contribute, please find the donation button at the bottom of this page. Every little bit helps, and together, we can make a difference for families who are still holding onto hope.
Make a donation
Although infertility might not affect you directly, it’s important to know that 1 in 6 women struggle with it. It could be a friend, your daughter, a sister, a niece, a son, a brother—or even a complete stranger.
You have the power to help make someone’s life a little brighter. Every little bit helps.
Even a kind comment can make a difference. All comments left will be compiled into a book and gifted to the couple receiving this donation in December 2025. This way, they’ll see and feel just how much love and support has been sent their way.
Thank you for helping to spread hope and love!
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