A Personal Journey into Fertility: Why Our Founder Started SMARTPath Fertility International
- kristircampbell
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
The post below is an overview of a heartfelt video made by our founder, Maria Feekes.
Hi guys, my name is Maria Feekes, and I’m the founder of SMARTPath Fertility International. If you’re here, chances are that fertility is part of your life in some way. Maybe you’re an intended parent, a surrogate, an egg or sperm donor, or someone searching for answers. Whatever your reason, I want to start by saying: you are not alone.
How Fertility Became Personal to Me
For me, my journey into the fertility world started differently. I’m a mom of three, and honestly, I never thought much about my pregnancies. Everything came easily. I even skipped some doctor’s appointments—I was one of those moms who, when asked if I had any questions, would say, “No, no, everything’s fine.”
Then, one day, fertility became deeply personal. A dear friend of mine—one of the strongest women I know—was quietly going through her own fertility battle. Like so many, she kept it private. She didn’t know if she’d be judged and accepted.
By the time we found out, she had already been through multiple IVF treatments. But then, finally, the miracle happened—she got pregnant! We were thrilled. We celebrated with a baby shower. We thought the most challenging part was behind her. And then, the unimaginable happened. On her way to the hospital to deliver her baby, she lost the baby, just like that.
Even now, telling this story, I still get emotional. I watched my friend experience a deep sorrow and comforting her felt impossible. Infertility, pregnancy loss—it’s a grief that is isolating and consuming. It’s hard to understand how low that low can feel unless you've been through it.
But through unimaginable pain, she found strength. After more treatments, waiting, and hoping, she became a mother. And today, her child is not so little anymore.
This experience changed me. It opened my eyes to a world I had never noticed before. It made me realize how many people struggle in silence, how many families desperately try to grow.
The Birth of SMARTPath Fertility International
That moment was my wake-up call. So when the opportunity arose to help families through their fertility journeys, I jumped in with both feet. I have spent over six years in this field, leading more than 500 families through their unique paths to parenthood.
I recently started SMARTPath Fertility International, a company built on experience, heart, and unwavering commitment.
My goal is not to simply repeat what’s already out there. You can Google fertility treatments. You can listen to podcasts. You can read research papers. But information isn’t the most challenging part. The hardest part is finding true, personal support.
I have worked in all aspects of fertility—including international surrogacy in Ukraine. When the war broke out, we were one of the only agencies that stayed. We didn’t abandon families or our surrogates. We stood by them. Experiencing what we did, we realized something important:
✔️ You can always find medical expertise.
✔️ You can always find doctors.
✔️ You can always find logistics, standards, and protocols.
But heart and care are missing in this industry—the kind of commitment that means each of my families have my personal cell phone number. The type of care that means my team and I are available—day or night—not just in words but in action.
Navigating Fertility: “Drinking from a Fire Hose”
If you’re new to fertility treatments or surrogacy, it can feel overwhelming—like drinking from a fire hose. It’s not just one question; it’s a flood of decisions:
What fertility treatment is right for me?
Should I use my own eggs and sperm or consider a donor?
If I’m over 35, do I still have a chance to conceive?
Is pre-implantation genetic testing necessary?
How do I make the best choice for my future family?
At SMARTPath Fertility, we don’t just give you answers—we help you ask the right questions. We want you to walk into your doctor’s office informed and confident, empowered to make decisions that fit your life, values, and dreams.
More Than a Process—A Community
Fertility is not just medical—it’s emotional, deeply personal, and sometimes incredibly difficult. But I want you to know something important:
You don’t have to go through it alone.
Through our blog, social media, and video content, we’ll share real stories, expert insights, and practical guidance to help you navigate this journey. Most importantly, we’ll remind you that:
💙 Parenthood is possible. 💙
A Message to Anyone Struggling Right Now
If you’re feeling lost or discouraged, breathe.
This journey may feel long. It may feel impossible at times. But you are not alone. Many, many families have walked this path before—and there is hope.
✨ Keep going. Find the right support. And know that we are here, every step of the way.
With love and support,
Maria Feekes
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