Sarrah Strimel Bentley, a breast cancer survivor, faced numerous challenges during her journey. After receiving an early breast cancer diagnosis and undergoing intense treatments, she also discovered that her chance of becoming a mother was at risk. Sarrah, a former Broadway actor, went through a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation following the discovery of a cancerous lump under her arm in 2020.
While undergoing treatment, Sarrah realized that breast cancer treatments can impact a woman’s fertility. Chemotherapy, in particular, can lead to early menopause, making it difficult for women to conceive. To address this concern, doctors often recommend that women consider preserving their fertility before starting cancer treatment.
At the age of 38, Sarrah decided to undergo two rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF) with her partner, James Bentley. The couple faced the harsh reality of the challenges of conceiving through IVF. Despite the difficulties, they were able to create only one genetically normal embryo.
Sarrah remained optimistic and held onto the belief that this one chance could lead to the family she had always dreamed of. With the help of a surrogate, the couple’s lone embryo was carried to term, and their baby boy, Chance, was born on December 10, 2023. The name Chance symbolizes the gamble his parents took and the incredible reward they received.
For Sarrah and James, this was not the end of their journey but rather the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. The couple expressed their joy and gratitude for the precious gift of parenthood and the profound impact it has had on their lives.
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