Q&A with Samantha Busch of The Bundle of Joy Fund

People battle infertility every day, and yet, it isn’t something that seems to be openly addressed. The World Health Organization estimates one in six people globally are affected by infertility. Oftentimes, a last option to have a baby for those battling infertility is in vitro fertilization (IVF), but it is costly and one reason people choose not to pursue it and accept that they likely will never have children. Samantha and Kyle Busch have fought their own battle with infertility and, because of that, The Bundle of Joy Fund was started in 2015. 

Read more about this incredible local charity below from Samantha Busch, herself.

Do you mind sharing how the idea for the BOJ Fund got its start?

The Bundle of Joy Fund started after my husband, Kyle, and I struggled for years to conceive before having our son, Brexton, through IVF. Battling infertility, you realize the immense amount of physical, emotional and financial strains that you will face. We quickly realized that we were very blessed to be able to afford to go through IVF, and we wanted others to not let the financial barrier stand in their way of becoming parents. 

How has the BOJ Fund grown since its beginnings in 2015?

Since 2015, The Bundle of Joy Fund has grown immensely! We have awarded more than $1.7 million to 131 grant recipients and have welcomed nearly 100 babies with more on the way. And, just this year, we added on more clinics to have a more robust reach. 

What are some of the long term goals for BOJ Fund?

Some long term goals for The Bundle of Joy Fund include expanding to more clinics to help more individuals. We are also focused on infertility education and empowerment, so people have guidance and don’t feel so alone as infertility can be quite overwhelming. And, of course, because one in six people are diagnosed with infertility and may require IVF to start or grow their families, it’s so important for our organization to move the needle forward on the ever important insurance coverage issue.

What are you most proud of for what the BOJ Fund has been able to accomplish so far?

I can’t really say there is one specific thing that I’m most proud of. I personally read every application that comes through our program. Each applicant’s story is unique, and I just feel so honored that they share their story with us. It’s a blessing that we can play a small part in their journey. It’s very exciting that, as we continue to help more couples, we encounter more people who say you helped my coworker, you helped my sister‘s neighbor, you helped my son’s school teacher, etc.

How many clinics do you currently partner with?

We currently have three partnering clinics. Reach, which serves the Charlotte area with three locations, PREG, which serves North Carolina and South Carolina across five locations and Carolina Conceptions that serves the Raleigh area with three locations.  

Are there any events coming up you would like the LKN community to be on the lookout for?

We are looking forward to hosting our biggest fundraising event of the year on Friday, November 1st at Eddie V’s in Charlotte. It’s a Spooky Soirée – our sophisticated interpretation of all things spooky. The event will feature signature cocktails, a bespoke menu and themed entertainment; and, this year, tickets will be open to the public. Although a costume isn’t required, we are hopeful that guests will embrace the theme and join us in an elegant but spooky costume.

How can those who wish to support the BOJ Fund do so?

We sincerely appreciate the community’s support! Those interested in supporting The Bundle of Joy Fund can attend our gala in November or be on the lookout for our annual charity concert in May. If you’re unable to make it to an event and want to make an immediate impact, we always accept donations via our website at bundleofjoyfund.org. 

What is the importance of receiving monetary support from the community for the BOJ Fund?

The Bundle of Joy Fund is helping people within your community. We are helping the police officers, the firefighters, the nurses, the teachers, the military veterans. People that choose the community based jobs that serve our families are often the underserved, and the financial barriers of fertility treatments can be too great. Your donation helps these deserving individuals become loving parents.

How much of a hand do you have in planning the events and deciding who the recipients are each round?

First and foremost, the doctors and staff at the infertility clinics review the applications and provide their input based on their medical expertise. Financial need is considered based on the information submitted by the grant applicant and the treatment proposal provided by the partnering clinic. The Bundle of Joy Fund director and myself then personally read every application that is submitted. We consider several factors, including the heartfelt essays, in our decision making process. 

Who is eligible to be a recipient of the BOJ Fund?

Anyone interested in applying for our grant award must be current patients of and received an infertility diagnosis from one of our partnering fertility clinics. Applicants also must be legal permanent U.S. citizens, age 18 or older. All applications are reviewed and considered regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or national origin, age or sexual orientation.

How can those seeking financial help for their IVF journey apply?

If you’re seeking financial assistance for your IVF journey, an application for our grant can be obtained from one of our three partnering fertility clinics. Once medical accuracy has been verified, The Bundle of Joy Fund review committee is responsible for final review and selection. Currently, we host three grant cycles a year, and the deadline for the third and final cycle in 2024 is Friday, November 1st.

What do you wish people knew about infertility and the hurdles those struggling with it face?

I wish people understood that one in six people will face infertility, and many of them will face it in isolation and silence out of fear of stigma, embarrassment, lack of resources or not knowing where to start. In 2009, The World Health Organization defined infertility as an actual disease. In many studies, the stress levels associated with infertility were found to be parallel to those facing cancer. If you’re facing infertility, you have nothing to be ashamed of; you are battling a disease, and there is an entire community both in person and virtually that is ready to help guide, mentor and support you through every facet of your journey. 

Words aren’t enough to thank the Busch family for their dedication and willingness to help others who have found themselves in a similar battle. The Bundle of Joy Fund is an incredible resource for those searching for a way to potentially decrease the financial burden of IVF. If this is you, I am wishing you all the best and encourage you to check out The BOJ Fund. If you are simply a reader, I encourage you to consider donating to this great cause.

Samantha has been transparent and vulnerable throughout her personal journey in hopes to help others feel less alone and like they have someone they can relate to. You can read more about it in her book, Fighting Infertility: Finding My Inner Warrior Through Trying to Conceive, IVF and Miscarriage.