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After Sarah and Trey married in 2009, they began trying to start a family. However, month after month came with no sign of pregnancy. There were many years and countless doctor appointments that ended with little hope of this dream becoming a reality for them. Physicians told the couple that there was a 0.1% chance of them ever conceiving a child. One of the verses they clung to during that time was Romans 5:3-5. “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”
Despite the daunting statistics, Sarah and Trey prayed, researched and pursued every available option. And on July 1, 2013, the fertility center called to let Sarah and Trey know that they would become parents! They could barely contain their emotions and excitement at this incredible miracle!
Although 5,000 miles separate the extended Simko family, they are a very close-knit bunch. Modern technology has helped them stay even closer. To reveal the gender of their long-awaited baby, Sarah and Trey used Skype, FaceTime and iChat to reveal that their newest family member would be a baby boy. Nancy and Bob, along with their daughter, Reagan and her husband, Josh, were all completely overjoyed with the news.
Sarah and Trey’s struggle with infertility wasn’t the only challenge the family faced. Trey’s mother, Nancy, was diagnosed with her second and third battles with cancer, which she’s battled since 2000.
The Simko family has said over and over again how God’s timing is perfect. The hope of a new baby’s arrival brought the family much joy in a time of profound heartache. Baby William’s birth this spring brought so much encouragement to Nancy and the rest of her family.
Baby William is truly a miracle, and has been a blessing to many. Even before he was born, his impending arrival encouraged Nancy to press on and fight for time to spend with him. During her chemotherapy treatments, Nancy goes through photo after photo of William, reminding her to continue to keep moving forward.
One of the other blessings the Simkos have experienced are the friends who have rallied to support Nancy during this time, calling themselves “Team Nancy”. Friends from Trey and Reagan’s childhood, college, church family and neighbors have all rallied to encourage the Simko family.
Though Nancy’s battle with cancer is not over, it is one of victory. Cancer can sometime steal a body, heart and soul, but Nancy has clung to all of them. She is a fighter. Baby William has brought much joy to her and the rest of the Simko family, and their faith and friendships have grown deeper despite the pain that cancer brings. We hope that you are inspired by their faith and endurance while overcoming their adversities!
Photography by Fotocrew Member: Katie Norris
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Oh my goodness! I can’t believe what all you have been through! Congratulations on becoming a grandmother Nancy and staying strong! What a beautii ful family you have! Hang in there , Al is going through the same battle right now!