Heartstrong: Chumpy, Minnie & Me

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Friends and family were saying sperm retrieval was an option. But within hours it would be too late. Ellidy had to decide. There have been countless people who have come to me whose partners have died, and they’ve said, ‘thanks for sharing your story, I’ve now been able to retrieve my partner’s sperm and I’m trying for a baby.’” The way that my brother asked me was quite urgent from memory, and I think I just said, 'Yes, whatever. I don't even know what you're talking about.'" One of my favourite parts of this story was when Chumpy's dad Chris wrote a few chapters on Chumpy's upbringing and their life as a family. It is just so clear that they are such a beautiful family and I think it was really special that they shared some intimate family memories - I feel honored to have read them. I can't imagine from Ellidy's perspective how it would have felt from losing the love of her life and beginning her pregancy journey alone. I have so much respect for her for sharing her story which I'm sure will help so many people - Grief & IVF are no joke, especially paired together.

Ellidy Pullin - 9780733649219 - QBD Heartstrong by Ellidy Pullin - 9780733649219 - QBD

From that moment, Ellidy’s world stopped. There was deep grief, disbelief and then the gradual realisation that this was real. Ellidy’s partner of eight years, a World Champion snowboarder, a man of energy and music, was gone. And so was the life they had built together and the dream of the child they had been trying for. In the hours that followed a suggestion was made: did Ellidy want to harvest Chumpy’s sperm and try for the baby they both wanted so deeply? A few people have said to me that they're really excited to read this book but feel a put off or scared because they know it will make them sad. All I can say is that, yes, it made me sad and I cried (a lot), but it's not the sort of sadness that leaves you feeling empty without purpose. I felt so much love and hope as well, and Minnie, Ellidy's daughter, is such a beautiful example of a rainbow after a storm. In that moment, the "crazy, weird decision" of sperm retrieval was simply about the option of having Chumpy's baby in the future.This story has truly truly touched my soul and I don’t think I’ll be forgetting what I’ve read any time soon. Life is so so short and you just never know how much one decision truly will impact not only your life but everyone else’s lives around you.

Heart Strong - Ellidy Pullin | Target Australia Heart Strong - Ellidy Pullin | Target Australia

Using the sperm of a dead person to have a child raises obvious moral, ethical and religious issues.Six months later, Ellidy tried IVF treatment. The second round worked and, nine months later, Minnie was born healthy and strong. Delivery with Standard Australia Post usually happens within 2-10 business days from time of dispatch. Please be aware that the delivery time frame may vary according to the area of delivery and due to various reasons, the delivery may take longer than the original estimated timeframe. Heartstrong is just such an unforgettable book about love, joy, loss, grief, hope and finding a way to keep going in the darkest of times. (Literally every emotion and feeling you could think of was in here) I just know what Chumpy would want to do, so and I couldn't care less what anyone thinks," she said.