Sharing Their Infertility Struggles Online Led Amy and Hooch McDonald to the Adoption of Their Son
By Mary Lynn Patterson

When Amy married James “Hooch” McDonald, she never imagined the storm they’d face trying to grow their family—nor how sharing their story would lead them to their greatest blessing.

“We tried multiple months of [fertility medication], plus bloodwork,” Amy said. “We still weren’t getting pregnant.” Further testing revealed IVF was their best option, so Amy began treatment with a reproductive endocrinologist. After weeks of medicine and monitoring, in December 2018, her doctor was able to retrieve 13 mature eggs; eight were fertilized, and three developed into high-quality embryos. The couple’s first fresh embryo transfer was unsuccessful. A frozen transfer in March 2019 also ended in heartbreak. Only one embryo remained.

“Our IVF journey was extremely tough—mentally, physically, and spiritually. I started to sink into depression and kept thinking, ‘Why is this happening to me?’” Amy said. The hormones left her mind and body exhausted, but through the struggle, she found strength and began sharing her story to support other women.

“If we hadn’t shared our story, I don’t think it would have led us to Jameson. And, hopefully we helped others on their own journey.”

— Amy McDonald

“I read somewhere, ‘Strong women aren’t simply born. They are made by the storms they walk through,’” she said. “I feel like my infertility journey made me an even stronger woman and led me to using my voice to help be there for other women who are experiencing their own infertility struggles.”

Amy and Hooch tried to conceive through 17 more medicated cycles, all unsuccessful. Amy was exhausted. “I knew I wasn’t ready to try to transfer the third embryo and wanted to stop all medications,” she said. They needed a break.

In 2022, the couple turned to adoption, initially exploring a national agency—until the $85,000 cost raised concerns. They shared their hopes on social media, launching fundraisers and receiving donations from family and friends.

After two failed private adoptions, Amy received a Facebook message from someone they had known for years. She was pregnant and asked if they were still looking to adopt. “We immediately said yes but were hesitant,” Amy shared. “Yet, knowing the birth mother made it feel like this was meant to be.”

In June 2024, surrounded by family, Amy and Hooch both were in the delivery room to hear the nurse say, “It’s a boy.” Amy turned to Hooch and saw tears in his eyes.

Jameson McDonald was born at 11:27 p.m. on June 14th, 2024. “Hooch got to cut the umbilical cord, which was a monumental moment for us, and a memory that will stay with me forever,” Amy said.

Joy quickly turned to fear, however, when they realized that Jameson wasn’t breathing. He had shoulder dystocia and had swallowed lots of amniotic fluid. NICU rushed in. “Eventually we heard a cry—it was the most glorious sound,” Amy said. “Our eight-year journey to become parents was worth every tear, every hormone shot, every doctor visit. Jameson is our answered prayer.”

Less than a month later, Amy went for an ultrasound on an ovarian cyst. Hooch and baby Jameson waited outside. The cyst was there—but so was an embryo. “I remember saying to the sonographer, ‘That’s a freaking baby!’” Amy said.

Over the next several weeks, multiple ultrasounds showed that the embryo wasn’t developing properly. At the final scan, there was no heartbeat.

“Even though it ended in loss, our baby girl knew nothing but love in those few short weeks,” Amy said. “I experienced things I never thought I’d get to—first trimester symptoms, seeing arm and leg buds. The pregnancy was a miracle and a blessing to us.”

Jameson gave her strength through the grief. “He made me a mama,” she said. “During the loss, I soaked up his snuggles. Just looking at him gave me peace.”

Today, the McDonalds are confident that Jameson was their “meant to be.” Strangers often comment on how much he looks like them—especially Hooch. “We joke that I passed down my chin dimple to him, since he has a dimple on his chin just like me,” Amy laughed.

The McDonalds on the day of the adoption, with Judge Bryan Chesshir; Amy’s father, Randy Rodgers; and James’ sister, Shelly Richardson. submitted photo

Sharing their journey publicly brought healing, hope to others, and a healthy baby boy. “If we hadn’t shared our story, I don’t think it would have led us to Jameson,” Amy said. “And, hopefully we helped others on their own journey. Infertility can feel isolating. I want others to know: your pain is valid. It’s okay to feel however you feel. You are not alone.”

Through faith and perseverance, Amy and Hooch weathered the storm. “It’s rarely an easy road, but the end goal has been the greatest joy of our lives,” Amy said.

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