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Mentor of the Month

Mentor of the Month: Cat Abrams

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Fertility Friends is Yesh Tikva’s peer-mentoring program for Jewish individuals navigating infertility. We connect you with a trained fertility mentor who has lived experience with infertility, loss, or fertility treatments. A mentor is someone who truly understands the emotional, medical, and spiritual challenges of trying to build a family. Fertility Friends mentors provide compassionate, confidential infertility support through phone, text, video, email, or in-person check-ins, offering a safe space to share grief, hope, fear, and joy. Each month, we highlight a mentor who uses their experience to help fertility warriors feel seen, heard, and less alone.

At Yesh Tikva, our Fertility Friends peer mentors are dedicated to supporting individuals and couples navigating infertility. This month, we’re highlighting Cat Abrams, who has generously shared her insights and experiences.

1. Why Cat Became a Fertility Friends Peer Mentor

When asked what led her to become a mentor, Cat shared:

“I responded to a post about a need for a mentor who’d experienced both infertility and loss. I’m nearing the end of my battle with infertility, and it’s always been a goal of mine to reach out a hand to those still in the thick of it. This felt like a great opportunity.”

Her story reflects a deep commitment to helping others while creating a supportive space for those still navigating the journey.

2. Lessons Learned from Mentoring

Being a mentor has been a profoundly rewarding experience for Cat. She explains:

“I feel like I’m talking to different versions of myself when I speak to other mentees. It is intrinsically rewarding to support other women walking through this. I’ve learned that we all have so very much in common.”

Mentoring has given her the chance to connect deeply with others, highlighting the shared experiences of infertility and loss.

3. One Thing Cat Wishes More People Understood About Infertility

Cat emphasizes the isolation many experience during infertility:

“Many people walk through this pain in solitude. Either they don’t know someone who is going/has been going through this or they might be ashamed to be in this place. Regardless, many suffer in silence and it’s such a heavy load to carry on your own.”

This reminder underscores the importance of empathy, awareness, and supportive communities for fertility warriors.

4. Summer Self-Care Tips for Fertility Warriors

With summer vacation season approaching, Cat offers practical self-care advice:

“Take a break from social media, or create an account that only follows others that fill your cup up. It’s okay to narrow or eliminate social media consumption.”

Her tips encourage mindfulness, protecting emotional well-being, and finding ways to stay supported while navigating family and social pressures.

Final Thoughts

Cat’s journey as a Fertility Friends mentor illustrates the power of connection, compassion, and support in the face of infertility. Her insights remind us that while infertility can feel isolating, reaching out, whether as a mentor or a mentee, can make a meaningful difference.

If you or someone you know is navigating infertility, consider connecting with a peer mentor today. Learn more here.

Mentor of the Month: Rebecca Ellstein

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Mentor of the Month: Rebecca Ellstein

Fertility Friends is Yesh Tikva’s peer-mentoring program for Jewish individuals navigating infertility. We connect you with a trained fertility mentor who has lived experience with infertility, loss, or fertility treatments. Mentors understand the emotional, medical, and spiritual challenges of trying to build a family. They provide compassionate, confidential infertility support through phone, text, video, email, or in-person check-ins, creating a safe space to share grief, hope, fear, and joy.

Each month, we highlight a mentor who uses their experience to help fertility warriors feel seen, heard, and less alone. This month, we’re featuring Rebecca Ellstein, who has turned her own journey into meaningful support for others navigating infertility.

 

1. What Led Rebecca to Become a Fertility Friends Peer Mentor

“After my daughter was born via surrogate, I was looking for ways to give back and feel more fulfilled. I was incredibly lucky to have support during that process—and during my prior fertility challenges for my son—and wanted to be that support for others going through their own fertility challenges.”

Rebecca’s story highlights the importance of peer support for individuals navigating infertility and the power of shared experience.

2. How Mentoring Has Impacted Rebecca

“Being a mentor has continued to heal me from my own trauma of years of infertility. It’s reminded me how healing it is to talk about what I’ve been through, and how gratifying it is to pay it forward. All it takes is talking to one person who understands what you’re going through to feel less alone.”

Mentoring allows Rebecca to provide emotional support for fertility warriors while deepening her own sense of connection and healing.

3. One Thing Rebecca Wishes More People Understood About Infertility

“Many people think about the physical repercussions of infertility and treatment, but don’t realize how much more challenging the emotional and psychological aspects can be. Infertility affects every part of your life, especially the waiting—unless you’ve been through it, you don’t realize how much patience and endurance is required for every step of the process.”

This insight reminds the community to approach infertility with empathy, awareness, and sensitivity.

4. Tips for Fertility Warriors and Loved Ones During Mother’s Day

“What helped me on Mother’s Day while waiting for my own child was to focus on my mom that day rather than my own situation. For loved ones, the best support is simply recognizing that the day may be difficult and letting the fertility warrior know you’re thinking of them and available if needed.”

Simple gestures and awareness can make a meaningful difference for fertility warriors navigating family-centered holidays.

Final Thoughts

Rebecca’s journey as a Fertility Friends peer mentor shows the power of shared experience, empathy, and emotional support. For fertility warriors navigating infertility, connecting with a mentor can provide a safe, non-judgmental space to feel seen, heard, and understood. Her story reminds us that even small acts of awareness, listening, and compassion can make a meaningful difference, whether during treatments, family-centered holidays, or the everyday challenges of trying to build a family.

To become a Fertility Friends peer mentor or be paired with one, learn more here.

Mentor of the Month: Ben Goldberg

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Fertility Friends is Yesh Tikva’s peer-mentoring program for Jewish individuals navigating infertility. We connect you with a trained fertility mentor who has lived experience with infertility, loss, or fertility treatments. Mentors understand the emotional, medical, and spiritual challenges of trying to build a family and provide compassionate, confidential infertility support through phone, text, video, email, or in-person check-ins. This safe space allows fertility warriors to share grief, hope, fear, and joy.

Each month, we highlight a mentor who uses their experience to help fertility warriors feel seen, heard, and less alone. This month, we are proud to feature Ben Goldberg, who has dedicated his time to supporting Jewish men navigating infertility.

1. Why Ben Became a Fertility Friends Peer Mentor

Ben shared what inspired him to join Fertility Friends:

“My wife and I struggled with infertility and, after our first son was born, I brought it up while speaking at his bris. I was blown away by how many people reached out to let me know they were struggling with the same thing, including close friends. Realizing how many others were going through the same challenges, but staying silent about it, led me to want to help those going through the same journey.”

His story highlights the importance of peer support for men facing infertility and breaking the silence around this common but often hidden struggle.

2. Lessons Learned from Mentoring

Being a mentor has had a profound impact on Ben:

“Being a mentor has been a wonderful experience and, even though I’ve dealt with infertility myself, it has made me even more attuned to what people are going through. I’ve also learned how helpful it can be to have someone to talk to.”

Mentoring allows him to connect with others, provide emotional support, and offer guidance from personal experience.

3. One Thing Ben Wishes More People Understood About Infertility

Ben emphasizes how common infertility really is:

“Just how widespread it is, both for those dealing with it (to know others are as well) and for those that aren’t (to be more mindful about how many people are).”

This perspective encourages awareness and empathy for everyone affected by infertility.

4.Tips for Fertility Warriors During Passover

Passover can be especially challenging for fertility warriors, with its focus on children and family gatherings. Ben’s advice:

“Please don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and take a break from the Seder or family time if you need it for your emotional well-being.”

For loved ones supporting someone facing infertility, the best approach is to be aware and mindful that others may be struggling. Simple gestures of understanding can make a significant difference during this family-focused holiday.

Final Thoughts

Ben’s journey as a Fertility Friends peer mentor demonstrates the power of empathy, shared experience, and emotional support. For men and women navigating infertility, connecting with a mentor can provide a safe space to feel understood, supported, and less alone.

Become a Fertility Friends Peer Mentor
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