Astronaut Kellie Gerardi, a 35-year-old payload specialist, has courageously responded to online critics who accused her of “wasting” her fertility in her 20s. Gerardi, who works as the director of human spaceflight at the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences, shared her response to a cruel comment: “Can’t complain about infertility now when you wasted your fertility in your 20s,” alongside a breathtaking video from space that has amassed over 7 million views on Instagram.
The emotional video captured the moment Gerardi gazed down at Earth, an experience that left her awe-struck. “In that moment, I realized that I wasn’t on the same planet as my baby,” Gerardi told Newsweek. “It was overwhelming, but also such a profound reminder of the importance of this journey.”
Fertility Struggles and IVF Journey
Gerardi has been open about her struggles with secondary infertility, sharing her IVF journey with her followers. She explained the challenges of opening up about such a personal issue: “When you share something as vulnerable as infertility, it invites a range of opinions. One common misconception is that infertility is solely tied to age, but infertility can affect women of all ages—even in their 20s, as it did for me.”
Contrary to the criticism that pursuing a career while trying for motherhood is selfish, Gerardi expressed that she doesn’t regret her 20s. “I don’t think a single moment of my life was wasted. I’m grateful for the example I’m setting for my daughter,” she stated, emphasizing her hope that her transparency would inspire others to reconsider making judgmental remarks.
Gerardi’s daughter, Delta, who is 7 years old, was conceived naturally but came as a surprise after Gerardi had already started fertility consultations. “I knew early on that I might face fertility challenges,” she reflected. Despite her initial surprise pregnancy, Gerardi’s pursuit of expanding her family faced obstacles, including years of secondary infertility and three miscarriages.
A New Chapter in the IVF Journey
At 35, Gerardi turned to IVF, and currently, she’s anxiously awaiting the results of her embryo transfer. “This journey has been physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially exhausting,” Gerardi shared. “But it’s a labor that many women go through without recognition, while balancing all the other responsibilities in life.”
By publicly sharing her IVF experience, Gerardi hopes to reduce the stigma surrounding infertility and make women feel less isolated.
Space Career and Personal Reflections
Gerardi’s love for space began in her hometown of Jupiter, Florida, where she was inspired by human spaceflight. Her passion led her to pursue a career in space science, culminating in her role as a payload specialist for the Galactic 05 science mission. In November 2023, she became the 90th woman in history to fly to space.
Reflecting on her time in space, Gerardi revealed that no amount of training could have prepared her for the emotional experience of looking down at Earth. “It was a realization that I was so far from home, from my daughter, yet so connected to something much bigger than myself,” she shared.
Public Support and Positive Reactions
Despite the negativity from some commenters, Gerardi’s video resonated with many viewers who offered their support. One wrote, “People can be so cruel. There’s no ‘right time.’ I’m rooting for you!” Another viewer added, “People of any age can struggle with infertility. It’s not an issue of ‘wasting’ fertility.”
Other comments praised Gerardi’s transparency and resilience, with one viewer telling her, “You’re an inspiration to so many girls and women. Don’t let comments like that take your sparkle!”
As Gerardi continues her IVF journey and space career, her story proves that dreams of both professional achievement and motherhood can thrive together, despite the challenges. Her experience reminds others to be kind and understanding, as they never know the full story behind someone’s journey.
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