Seeds of Success: The Begor Family

The journey to parenthood was a long and arduous one for Sandi and Ken Begor. Both are school teachers and coaches, happily surrounded by kids on a daily basis. After five years of marriage, the couple decided that they wanted the opportunity to teach a child of their own to learn, grow and thrive.

“We just have always had this outlook that good things happen to good people,” said Sandi. “And if we’re surrounded by these kids and we’re giving them everything that we have, then we’re just hoping to get this repaid to us.”

After trying to get pregnant naturally without success, the couple scheduled an appointment at RADfertility’s Dover office to seek help on the advice of Sandi’s gynecologist. According to Sandi, walking through the doors of RADfertility was an unexpected reality. “I truly thought it was just going to happen on its own,” she said. “That whole world of infertility was just not one that I thought about.”

Fortunately, Sandi was surrounded by colleagues and friends with their own experiences of fertility treatment who were able to help ease her mind and let her know what to expect. The staff at RADfertility did their part as well. “From the minute you walk in you’re always greeted with a smile and by name,” Sandi said. “The nurses are so friendly, and instantly become your No. 1 fans. They know you’re nervous, they recognize how difficult the journey is, and they do whatever they can to ease your nerves.”

Lifestyle Changes and Hard Work

While IVF tends to get the most press when it comes to fertility treatments, many RADfertility patients find success through less-invasive procedures, including intrauterine insemination (IUI). The Begors are one of those families, but it took time for the couple to choose IUI as a treatment option.

Sandi was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that is common among women of reproductive age and can halt ovulation. At the time of diagnosis, Sandi also had a relatively high BMI, and made the decision to live a healthier life in order to better facilitate pregnancy.

“I knew right then and there that if this was something that I wanted, I needed to buckle down and I needed to make the changes,” said Sandi. “I started eating better and working out.”

At the same time, the Begors began treatment, experimenting with Clomid and timed intercourse over the course of five months. When nothing happened during that time, the couple decided that a four-month break to ease the stress and pressure that comes with treatment was needed. Despite the temporary setback, they maintained a strong commitment to their journey towards a healthier lifestyle and even succeeded in running their first 5K.

The Stars Aligned with Help from IUI

Following their much-needed break, the Begors came back to RADfertility refreshed and ready to try something new. Dr. Barbara McGuirk recommended IUI, and miraculously, the very first IUI procedure resulted in pregnancy. Sandi and Ken welcomed Kenny Begor III in August 2014.

The Begors immediately embraced parenthood, and are thankful for their son on a daily basis. “He has been the greatest thing to bless either of our lives and either of our families,” Ken said. “I didn’t know it was possible to love someone so hard until my son was born. Every day that miracle blesses our lives and I will never forget it.”

Seeking a Second Miracle

Both Sandi and Ken grew up in large families, and when Kenny was 1 year old, they decided to try and give him the love of a younger sibling. The couple once again turned to Dr. McGuirk for guidance, with a greater understanding of what to expect.

Prior to undergoing her first IUI, Sandi had a hysteroscopy to remove polyps in her uterine cavity. In order to improve her chances of having a second child, another hysteroscopy was scheduled, giving Sandi a fresh start. Sadly, two subsequent IUI treatments failed, and at the same time, the Begors began to feel the financial sting that can accompany fertility treatment.

“These failed cycles unfortunately have wiped out our lifetime insurance amount, and have tapped in to our savings account tremendously,” said Sandi. As state employees, the Begors had limited insurance coverage, but they put their hope in a proposed bill expanding fertility care coverage that would provide a chance at IVF.

Advocating for SB139

With IVF being the only option the Begors have to get a second baby, the couple became vocal advocates for the passage of SB139. Holding true to their belief that good things happen to good people, they decided to share their story and write heartfelt letters to state representatives. Sandi cried when she read her husband’s letter, she said, “It’s funny when you go through this journey, we talked but I didn’t realize how much it affected him as well.”

Ken even considered switching jobs so that his son could have a sibling and his wife could realize her dream of being a mother a second time. Sandi was extremely touched by her husband’s offer, especially considering that he loves his job as a teacher. “It’s pretty intense,” said Sandi. “I got a good guy.”

Their advocacy efforts paid off. The good news arrived on June 10, 2019, when the State Employee Benefits Committee (SEBC) voted to expand fertility care and add fertility preservation benefits for state employees. The Begors were elated and know this news will ease their financial burden as they move forward.

“Seeing those people and their friendly faces all the time made it easier,” said Sandi. “They were rooting for us. They were our cheerleaders. At the end, everyone’s goal is to get you pregnant. So, no matter how scared or nervous I was, everyone was like, ‘you’ll be fine, this is going to work, have faith’ — and we always did.”

Ken and Sandi Begor welcomed their second son, and Kenny’s new best friend, Karter, in July of 2020!

Photos provided by Amy Stamm, Jennifer Trego Photography, Delaney Dobson Photography, and Laura Navarre Photography.