Share in Janine and Shimon’s amazing journey
Janine and Shimon Davidowitz’s complete fertility journey is told in the film One in Six, to be screened at AJNF’s 2021 major event.
THE Australian Jewish Fertility Network (AJFN) introduced the community to Janine and Shimon Davidowitz last year, when more than 2000 people were immersed in their fertility struggles through part one of a world-first documentary screened at AJFN’s major event.
Their complete journey now features as part of the full film, One in Six, which will be shown in an exclusive advance screening at AJFN’s upcoming event.
The Davidowitz’s IVF cycle was funded with the support of the community, along with 45 other couples who received financial and emotional support from AJFN following last year’s event.
AJFN chair Kerry Gonski said, “This film is raw, gritty, emotional and ultimately uplifting. For those of us who have been through IVF, we are right there with Janine and Shimon for the retrieval, the moment their little miracle is created, the embryo transfer and the agonising wait for the phone calls from the clinic to tell you how things are progressing.”
For those who haven’t experienced infertility, she said, it gives a frank and intimate insight into the journey.
“Through Janine and Shimon’s bravery and openness, we can offer support by better understanding what they are going through and bringing the conversation into the open,” Gonski added.
Shortly after last year’s event the couple received news that they were expecting a baby. The completed film details their full journey.
“What we have been given is the gift of a lifetime. A lifetime of brothers – of laughing together, playing with one another and plenty of rough and tumble,” said Janine Davidowitz.
She recalled last year’s AJFN event as “the power of the community coming together – on the night it was palpable”.
Over the past year, eight AJFN babies have been born, bringing the total to 36 miracles babies since its inception.
“Each of these children play a very important role in not only their own families, but in continuing to build our community,” said Gonski.
This year there has been an increase in demand due to lockdowns, with requests for AJFN’s financial and emotional support up by 300 per cent in the past year.
“We currently have 29 couples who need our help to give them a chance to try to achieve their dreams of a baby,” said Gonski.
“No-one should ever feel alone on their fertility journey.”
The 45-minute online event will take place on November 8 at 8pm.
The film will premiere on TV and international screens next year.
Bookings are free but essential at ajfn.org.au
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