Jackie and Evan Williams:
Transforming lives through the gift of family
Shown above, Evan and Jackie Williams with their children Eleanor, Henry and Charlotte; Priya Maseelall, M.D., who facilitated the IVF process; and Michael and Nicole Hawks with baby Emmitt.
This story originally appeared in the Summer 2024 edition of Promise magazine.
Jackie and Evan Williams are making a profound impact on couples throughout the community who dream of starting a family. Established in honor of their own experiences and challenges with fertility, the Jaclyn and Evan Williams Fertility Fund has become a beacon of hope, providing financial assistance to those facing the often-prohibitive costs of fertility treatments.
Understanding firsthand the emotional and financial stresses of infertility, Jackie and Evan sought to alleviate the burden for others by supporting in vitro fertilization (IVF) and genetic testing expenses by establishing the fund named in honor of their children – Henry, Charlotte and Eleanor. The fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified individuals and couples.
The impact of the Williams’ heartfelt generosity is evident in the stories of the families that have been helped. Among them are Nicole and Michael Hawks, whose lives were transformed by the fund with the help of their IVF specialist, Dr. Priya Maseelall.
In gratitude to Jackie and Evan, the couple said: “We are eternally grateful to the Williams family. Without the Williams Fertility Fund, our IVF journey would not have been possible. IVF is emotionally, physically and financially challenging. Being awarded this grant helped alleviate much of the financial burden so we could focus on our mental and physical well-being throughout the process.”
Jackie and Evan had the privilege of meeting Emmitt Julius Hawks who was born with the help of the fund, a moment that encapsulates the tangible difference their philanthropy has made.
“We were thankful we were able to meet the Williams family in person,” said Nicole Hawks. “It would be a lie to say that no tears were shed. Jackie and Evan will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
With their continued generosity and the gifts of family and friends, the Williams Fertility Fund continues to grow, enabling more families to turn their dreams of parenthood into reality.
For more information, contact Summa Foundation at 330.375.3159 or foundation@summahealth.org.