Introduction

Ashley Rodón's journey into motherhood was marked by unexpected hurdles, including two miscarriages and extensive testing. What began as a private struggle soon inspired her to co-found a foundation dedicated to making fertility care accessible to all families, regardless of cost.

What Happened

After experiencing loss and navigating complex medical evaluations, Rodón and her husband, Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón, welcomed a healthy baby girl. The experience motivated the creation of the Carlos Rodón Foundation, which launched the Willow Grant program to provide up to $20,000 toward fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization. The third annual Willow Gala, held in 2026, raised over $1 million to expand the program's reach.

Why This Matters

Infertility affects roughly one in six people, yet insurance coverage is only mandated in 12 states, leaving many families facing prohibitive out-of-pocket expenses. The Willow Grant program directly addresses this gap, having already supported multiple families through multiple IVF cycles, embryo adoption, and intrauterine insemination. By normalizing conversations around reproductive health, the foundation helps families feel less alone in their journey.

Key Takeaways

  • Financial support can be decisive: With one round of IVF typically costing between $20,000 and $30,000, a grant of up to $20,000 can mean the difference between starting a family and delaying it indefinitely.
  • Insurance coverage is limited: Only 12 states currently mandate fertility treatment coverage, meaning most families bear the full cost alone.
  • Stigma still surrounds fertility: Many people suffer in silence; sharing stories like Rodón's encourages open dialogue and proactive health planning.
  • The foundation's impact grows each year: The Willow Gala's fundraising success signals increasing community support and the potential to help even more families in future grant cycles.

Conclusion

Ashley Rodón's work through the Carlos Rodón Foundation highlights that fertility care is a public health issue, not just a private struggle. By raising awareness, funding grants, and encouraging proactive steps like AMH testing, the foundation is helping to rewrite the narrative around family building. Whether you're personally navigating fertility challenges or simply want to support the cause, the conversation starts with knowledge and compassion.