Four years later, the couple was eager to build their family. Based on their earlier experience they felt confident trying IVF again. But after one failed cycle, the specialist issued a warning. Not only was the couple still dealing with male-factor infertility problems, but now Jennifer was producing poor-quality eggs. She was only 33, but her eggs looked like those of a much older woman.
“We got the bad news on our 10th wedding anniversary,” she says. “My husband was content to stop trying; he was thankful for what we had. A third IVF was about
all my body could handle. Once again, the only comfort
I had was that at least we didn’t have a financial burden.”
In March 2007, the Bennetts were surprised to learn
that Jennifer was carrying twins. It was a difficult pregnancy, and seven months later, Caroline and Chelsea were born on September 14, 2007—at 31 weeks. They were critically ill and spent many weeks in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). Medical bills exceeded $500,000, and once again, Jennifer says, the family appreciated her outstanding medical coverage at Novo Nordisk.
“Today, my girls are healthy and I know we are truly blessed,” says Jennifer. “I feel as if I owe these precious gifts to my company. If it wasn’t for my insurance, I don’t know what would have happened.”
But the Bennetts’ story wasn’t over yet. As the twins celebrated their first birthday, the family had another
miracle. The couple conceived a baby . . . the old-fashioned way. Miranda was born May 20, 2009.
“Our house is fuller than I ever could have imagined,” says Jennifer. “I continue to work full time for a variety
of reasons, and one of those reasons is that I couldn’t imagine leaving my company that made all this possible.”
A version of this story was originally published in the Summer 2010 issue of Conceive.
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