Small Miracles

The Banks Family

After 7 ½ years of infertility issues and numerous clinics, we were recommended to Hinsdale Center for Reproduction and Dr. Hickey.  We were very cynical at this point because we had negative experiences not only in the disappointment of not getting pregnant, but with the clinics themselves.  After 14 months of unsuccessful clomiphene cycles and 2 unsuccessful IUI’s, we were not hopeful.  In one meeting at HCR we were finally hopeful and felt apart of the process.  After 1 unsuccessful IUI and a second Laparoscopy & Hysteroscopy we went forward with IVF.  We now have a 6 year old son, Kyle, and a 2 ½ year old daughter, Annie, with our 3^rd, through FET, on the way.  HCR was the first clinic that felt right, and made us feel apart of the process instead of a number.  Dr. Hickey and the staff felt like a 2^nd family and we are sad each pregnancy to leave and move on to our OB/GYN.  We were definitely not their first patients and will not be their last, yet we felt their compassion and their hearts go into their work unlike anything we had experienced.  7 years later the staff remains almost unchanged in a small, warm environment.  I thank God every day for HCR and the entire staff, for if we had not gone to them, we would not have moved forward with our dream of having a family.

The Douglas Family

We were recommended to the HCR by a coworker in 2005. After 2 1/2 years we were blessed with a baby boy. The people at the HCR were very supportive and never gave up hope. The staff's compassion, patience, and expertise gave us confidence each step of the way. Our son was born in August of 2008, and a year later we were surprised with a daughter. We can't thank the HCR enough!

The Falconer Family

It is difficult to know where to begin in describing my journey with Hinsdale Center for Reproduction.  My husband and I first met with Dr. Hickey in January of 2007.  Our first little guy, Ian, was 18 months old and we were ready to add onto our family.  From the moment we walked into the office we could tell that this was going to be a very different medical experience.  We were instantly put at ease by the friendly demeanor of the staff.  Dr. Hickey had cleared his schedule so he could sit down with us and extensively explain the reproductive and IVF process.  He took the time to answer all of our questions and even did extensive research prior to our visit about our particular reproductive needs.  You see, we had discovered when I was pregnant with Ian that both my husband and I were carriers of the devastating disease Cystic Fibrosis and had a 1 in 4 chance that our baby would be born with this condition.  We were very fortunate - Ian was healthy.  We did not want to risk the health of our next child so we turned to the Hinsdale Center for Reproduction for help.  My husband had done research and discovered that through IVF it was possible to do genetic testing to ensure that only embryos that were free from the Cystic Fibrosis gene mutation would be utilized.

As we started the IVF process I was impressed over and over again by the nurturing way Dr. Hickey and his staff took care of their patients.  Every time I came to the office I felt like a member of the family.  I was treated with respect, genuine affection, and sensitivity.  As a nurse myself I recognized the rarity of this type of personal care.  Within a few days of becoming their patient the staff knew more than just my name.  They recognized my voice on the phone.  They knew where I worked and my schedule.  They knew all about Ian – even remembering his special stuffed dog’s name and his favorite flavor of lollipop!  I never hesitated to call with questions or to stop in for advice.  Each concern was immediately and patiently addressed.   Dr. Hickey and his staff were there to cheer me on when things were going well and were quick with hugs during times of disappointment.

I believe Dr. Hickey and his staff most truly exemplified their compassion and concern when I experienced a miscarriage at 10 weeks gestation.  The outpouring of support and sympathy was overwhelming.  Dr. Hickey himself noticed that I was shutting down emotionally and encouraged my husband to help me to talk through my feelings of anger, sadness, and frustration so I could grief and move past the setback.  In the end I was blessed with a beautiful and sweet baby boy named Braden.  He is now 16-months old and each day I am overwhelmed with gratitude for this special gift.  It has been nearly two years since I was officially a patient at Hinsdale Center for Reproduction but even now I can call and have my voice recognized.  After all this time the staff still ask about Ian and his big dog or how my work is going and marvel about how much Ian and Braden have grown.  I will always consider them part of my family and they will forever hold a special place in my heart.

The Kilinskis Family

We were very fortunate to be referred to Dr. Hickey through my OB/GYN.  We have since heard stories from friends about other IVF facilities whose experiences did not compare to the sincerity and professionalism of everyone at HRC.  It was a long journey to conceive our daughter, but when we were faced with failed attempts the staff was sympathetic and gave us realistic hope.  They were truly dedicated to helping us start a family.

One of the best things I like about the office is when calling there an actual person answers the phone instead of a recording.  I never felt like just another case.  That kind of one-on-one interaction is unique to doctors’ offices these days.  We never felt as though we were going through this highly emotional journey alone.

The day I received the phone call that we were successful was one of the happiest days of our lives.    In January of 2010, we were blessed with our first child.  We owe a great deal of thanks to Dr. Hickey and his entire staff for their efforts and support in helping us attain this incredible gift.  We are forever grateful!

The Martyka Family

We were very fortunate to be referred to Dr Hickey and the Hinsdale Center for Reproduction team by two valued physicians.  Both told us that Dr. Hickey was "expert in his field and a very kind man".  We found both to be true.  Dr. Hickey and the entire HCR team was as invested in our dreams of having a family as we were.  They were with us every step of the way to comfort us when the news was not what we wanted to hear and to celebrate with us when we heard the news we had always dreamed of.  Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Hickey and the HCR for their care, compassion, and commitment to helping us achieve our family.

The Post Family

Our journey was a long one but worth it……We had SEVEN failed attempts at artificial insemination with other specialists.  We were discouraged, emotionally drained and gave up all hope of having  any children.  My sister referred me to Hinsdale Center for Reproduction after our 7^th failed attempt.  Though we were skeptical at first and didn’t want to go through it all over again, we figured a meeting couldn’t hurt anything.   Dr. Hickey’s knowledge and hands-on approach was so unique and so different than what we had been through, we proceeded with our eighth AND FINAL attempt at artificial insemination !!  We were blessed with our son Charlie in May 2005.

We are so grateful to Dr. Hickey and his staff for so many reasons.  They are a warm, loving and caring group of individuals that work well together.  We never once felt like just a number when we walked in the door at HCR.  Their hands-on approach is like nothing we experienced or heard from others that went through the same situation we did.

Each and every one of the staff should be proud of what they do day after day and what joy they have brought to people’s lives.  I said to Dr. Hickey and Ann at this year’s picnic  that everyone there was because of them.  Plain and simple.

Greg and I can’t say it enough to each of you……thank you !!!

The Price Family

We want you to know how special you have made 2009 for us.  After 6 long years of trying to grow our family, we finally have our Miracle Baby Benjamin!  After a horrible year at another clinic we received a referral from a friend to come see your office.   You and your staff were always there for us.  You helped make the road of infertility feel like a short path on the wonderful journey to parenthood. Now that Benjamin is in our lives, I know that journey was worth every single heartbreaking step.   We couldn't have done it without your help.  For that we will always be grateful.  Your staff was always there with smiling faces and made our questions and concerns seem relavant even when I was being a little crazy (ok maybe a lot).   Your office was always patient with us and we never felt pressured to take the next step before we were ready.   Had I know how much easier IVF was then the multiple IUI's we probably would have tried it sooner.    We have a perfect son and can't wait to come back when the time is right to try for baby #2 and #3.  You have changed our lives forever and we can't thank you enough.