North Carolina couple reflects on impact of Samantha and Kyle Busch’s Bundle of Joy Fund
Jennifer and Michael Cline, recipients of the Samantha and Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Fund grant, shared their in vitro fertilization journey and reflected on Kyle Busch's legacy after his death.
"We thought, 'We're going to be like anybody else — first try, done, kind of thing,'" Jennifer Cline said.
The Clines turned to in vitro fertilization after struggling to conceive, but the high costs made the process seem out of reach.
"IVF was pretty much our only option. We didn't think it would be possible because of how expensive it is. Pretty much, an egg retrieval alone is about $15,000 to $20,000," Jennifer Cline said.
Their hopes were renewed when they received a $15,000 grant from the Samantha and Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Fund, and they heard the news directly from Samantha Busch during a race.
"We couldn't believe it. Happy tears were flowing, and we just could not be more thankful. We probably told Samantha multiple times, 'Thank you,'" Jennifer Cline said.
The Bundle of Joy Fund, created by the Busch family in 2015 after their own struggles with infertility, has awarded more than $2 million in grants to families.
"They've always been so involved in the community," Jennifer Cline said.
As the Clines prepare for their third transfer, they are also reflecting on Kyle Busch's life following his death.
"From our point of view, it feels like somebody that's actually a part of your family, just how involved they've been," Jennifer Cline said. "It doesn't feel real."
Michael Cline shared his thoughts on how the community can respond during this time.
"I think it's good for the community to maybe give back with thoughts and prayers while this is happening," he said.
Though Kyle Busch's life was tragically cut short, his impact through the Bundle of Joy Fund continues to help families like the Clines.
"Don't give up the hope. Just continue going. There's a purpose for all of us going through this," Jennifer Cline said.
For more information on how to apply for a grant, click here.