By Olivia Condous
Families from across the western suburbs came together this month to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Monash IVF, uniting people who came into the world through the magic of modern medicine.
Bacchus Marsh family the Attards attended the celebratory event and reunited with fertility specialist Dr Mark Lawrence, the man who helped the family conceive their two daughters Emily and Zoe through IVF many years ago.
Danielle Attard said it was “really nice” to see the doctor who was an important part of her daughters’ lives.
“We worked really closely together for many years… he probably had more hope than I ever did,” she said.
“It was such a long journey, a really daunting process, you go through your ups and downs,
“I’m very, very grateful… I’ve got two amazing girls,” Ms Attard said.
Emily and Zoe, now 21 and 18 years old respectively, said their family had always been very open about their IVF journey and it was a good experience to reflect.
“There were a few who were older than us, who were also IVF babies… then there were some who were just born and then there was one lady who was pregnant,” Emily said.
“It was a really surreal environment… in a way you could kind of see your life growing up.”
Ms Attard said she would encourage any parents who were considering IVF to do it.
“People shouldn’t be afraid to go through it, IVF kids are the most wanted children in the world,” she said.
“Anybody who’s considering it, reach out to your doctors and reach out to Monash… reach out and never give up hope, it’s well worth the journey.”
