I was honored to connect with Barb Collura, a leading expert on infertility and the family-building journey, particularly the personal experience of those struggling to build their family. Barb has been the President and CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association since 2007 – learn more about her inspirational work over the years, RESOLVE’s important mission, and why you should join this year’s special edition of Night of Hope!

1.As your mission states, at RESOLVE “We believe all people challenged in their family building journey should reach their resolution by being empowered by knowledge, supported by community, united by advocacy, and inspired to act”. Please tell us more about the amazing work RESOLVE does to help people get educated, feel supported and even take action.

We love our mission! In short, RESOLVE improves the lives of those struggling to build their family. We have support groups across the country. Before Covid, we had more than 250 groups that met each month in most states. Now we are doing them virtually and we also added some national Zoom support group meet-ups that are helping hundreds of people connect and find support. We also have a very large (50,000+) online support community. We have a robust website with loads of educational content as well as a very active social media presence. And, we advocate for change in public policy so that barriers are removed for anyone who has the dream of family. We train people to become advocates, we bring like-minded people together to advocate at the state and federal level, and we serve as the voice of the patient.

 

RESOLVE’s 2020 South Florida Walk of Hope

2.Your annual Night of Hope is coming up with a fun Back to the Future theme (this year it’s of course virtual for the first time). For those who have not attended this inspiring event in the past – what is it all about and what are you most looking forward to this year?

Night of Hope is such a great event; it’s a fun evening where the entire family building community comes together to celebrate our honorees. When you switch a live event to virtual, you can’t expect to have the same experience, but we still want it to be fun and memorable. There is no charge and you can “attend” from the comfort of your own home so anyone can experience it this year! We will have awards, entertainment, a mixology moment, and lots of fun. My favorite part is the acceptance speeches from the awardees – they are always so memorable.

Pre-Covid gala: Night Of Hope 2019

3.What inspired you to join RESOLVE, and can you share a bit about what I’m sure has been an incredibly meaningful journey over the past almost 14 years there?

I joined the RESOLVE staff in 2004, and became the CEO in early 2007. I love this organization because it was a huge source of support for my husband and me when we were on our journey. I don’t know what we would have done had we not found RESOLVE. I volunteered for 4 years before I was fortunate enough to join the staff. I am so proud of where this organization is today, and the small role I have played in making that happen.

New York Advocacy Day 2020

4.What advice would you give to intended parents on GoStork – who are just beginning their family building journey?

Get support – find your support network and don’t go it alone. This journey can tear you up no matter who you are. Respect it and take care of yourself. Find people that will support you, lift you up, and be there for you.

Thank you, Barb, it’s been a pleasure chatting with you! Intended parents, RSVP for the Night of Hope live broadcast on November 12, 8.00pm EST here, and check out our blog over the coming weeks for more GoStork Spotlights!