When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2011, I was just 31 years old. I didn’t know what my future held, but I knew I wanted to be a mom. When my treatment team heard this, they immediately got me an appointment with Dr. Wright Bates in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Clinic to discuss fertility preservation options. I feel so fortunate to have been treated at a facility that is focused on treating the whole person, not just the cancer.

Three years after I kicked cancer’s butt, I underwent in vitro fertilization and became pregnant with my son, Cooper. Cooper is now an extremely active, funny, and smart two- year-old. He makes me smile every day and I am so thankful that I get to be his mom.

My cancer journey hasn’t always been easy, but it has made me appreciate the little things in life. Hearing my son’s laugh is one of my greatest joys. I will eternally be grateful to UAB, both for keeping me healthy and giving me a beautiful son.

To watch Jessica’s story http://surviveal.org/wly-fertility