- By Evelyn Osagie and Anu Ajibade
Veteran TVC presenter and CEO of Reb360, Tope Mark-Odigie, popularly known as TMO, has empowered 40 families to achieve their dream of having their own babies, through IVF funding.
According to her story, her parents struggled with childbearing before they had her, and the only reason they could not have more children was because they could not afford an IVF. Moved by the plights of families with a similar situation, especially those who have waited for at least five years without a child, TMO has decided to partner with willing sponsors to fund the IVF of 40 families who cannot have babies organically.
Over the past five years, TMO has volunteered and partnered with Quiverfull, a reputable registered foundation in Lagos, to fund successful IVF procedures; two years ago, her company, Reb360 joined her to fund the same project. This year, she is soliciting for at least 39 more people to join her to fund the IVF of 40 families.
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When asked about the project, Mark-Odigie said: “As an only child, I know how tough it is to be an only child. But what was worse was observing my parents’ hopes of having another child dashed many times till they passed the age of childbearing. Thank God they have me! However, many other families do not have a single child of consolation like my parents do. This is why to commemorate my 40th birthday, my greatest desire is to help 40 families achieve their dream of having a baby through IVF funding.
“Currently, the average cost of an IVF is between N5,000,000 and N6,000,000, if there are no additional complications of surgery. This is why I need all the support I can get from individuals, organisations and reputable IVF clinics who are willing to partner with me to put a smile on the faces of the 40 families who will be selected from the 1,000+ families who have shared their touching stories.
“Over the past five years, I have volunteered for and partnered with Quiverfull, a reputable IVF foundation, to fund successful IVF procedures. So, I am soliciting for more people to join me on this journey to raise sufficient funds to do the same for 40 unique families. I am also calling on other IVF clinics to partner with us to achieve this feat.”