Fertility in Focus by Fertility Matters Canada - Empowering Your Fertility Journey: Insights and Strategies with Jessica Chalk and Carly Malo at myStoria

Empowering Your Fertility Journey: Insights and Strategies with Jessica Chalk and Carly Malo at myStoria

05/13/25 • 43 min

Fertility in Focus by Fertility Matters Canada

Fertility in Focus is lucky to have Jessica Chalk and Carly Malo on this episode, where we dive into how technology can empower your fertility journey. After her own experiences, Jessica founded myStoria with the goal of helping patients manage their fertility journey by lifting the burden of tracking their care first-hand. Carly is a registered fertility nurse and leads the concierge team at myStoria to help patients navigate their journeys. In this episode, we discuss the intricacies of the fertility process, gain clarity on some of the common misconceptions, and learn the importance of meticulous cycle tracking, testing procedures, and self-referrals. Jessica and Carly want to shine a light on the essential role of self-advocacy and the transformative power of technology in managing your fertility journey.
More about our guest speakers:
Carly
With over 15 years of nursing experience, including 6 years specializing in fertility, Carly has witnessed firsthand the misinformation and lack of knowledge surrounding women's reproductive health. A master of her craft, Carly is poised to lead the myStoria Concierge Team, ensuring users receive the support and guidance they need. Her dedication and expertise make her an invaluable asset in promoting informed and compassionate care.
https://www.instagram.com/carly_fertilityadvocate/

Jessica
Jessica Chalk is a serial entrepreneur and patient advocate dedicated to transforming fertility care. After six years of trying to conceive, navigating treatments, and spending over $100,000, she founded myStoria—a platform designed to empower patients and drive system-wide change. Before myStoria, she built and successfully exited a digital marketing company. Jessica has been recognized as Young Alumna of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year and completed the Entrepreneurial Masters Program at MIT with EO. She actively volunteers in the community and has served on multiple boards, including the Lazaridis Business School’s Dean’s Advisory Council. Through her work, she continues to push for better patient support and accountability in fertility care.
https://www.instagram.com/jessicalchalk/
https://www.instagram.com/mystoriafertility/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mystoria/
https://www.tiktok.com/@mystoriafertility
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562042291846
https://www.youtube.com/@mystoriafertility

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Send us a text

If you or your organization would like to sponsor educational episodes just like this, please contact us at [email protected].

Follow Fertility Matters Canada at @fertility_canada on Instagram and TikTok.

Previous Episode

Resilience Through Adversity and Building Community with Anne-Marie Luca

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This episode of Fertility in Focus takes you through Anne-Marie’s personal narrative of resilience on the path to parenthood and the groundbreaking work she has done in Quebec through the non-profit, Centre ESPER. After being diagnosed with cervical cancer, Anne-Marie sought fertility preservation and in 2019 welcomed her first child via surrogacy. Anne-Marie felt the need for fertility resources and support first hand as a French-speaking patient, and decided to act. She founded Infoprocréation to fill the gap in resources available to Francophone patients, as the community is often overshadowed by the English-speaking fertility care landscape. The conversation doesn't shy away from the emotional and psychological aftermath of cancer and infertility. We touch on the feelings of isolation and grief that accompany the expectation of returning to a "normal" life post-treatment. Anne-Marie’s transition from journalist to consultant signifies the power of personal hardship as a catalyst for positive change, emphasizing the role of community and specialized therapy in overcoming life’s most daunting challenges. Join us for a journey of healing, hope, and the strength found in shared experiences.
More about our guest speaker:

Anne-Marie Luca is the founder of Centre ESPER, an organization based in Quebec that offers support and information to individuals navigating the complexities of assisted reproduction journeys such as surrogacy. She is also co-host of the French podcast Les Infertiles. Her personal fertility journey began when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer at age 34, and needed a hysterectomy in order to survive. After her procedure and cancer treatment, surrogacy was her only option to conceive a biological child. While on this journey, she noticed the lack of information and support in French for people struggling with infertility. Her son was born three years after her diagnosis, and with it the strong desire to help others on their fertility journey.

Website: www.centre-esper.ca/fr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centreesper

Instagram: @centre_esper

If you or your organization would like to sponsor educational episodes just like this, please contact us at [email protected].

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Next Episode

Exploring Men's Fertility and Mental Health Through Traditional Chinese Medicine with Dr. Cameron Smith

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A painful knee injury led Dr. Cameron Smith on an unexpected journey into the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). What started as a personal quest for relief soon transformed into a profound exploration of holistic health practices, opening doors to understanding men's fertility challenges. In our latest episode of Fertility in Focus, Dr. Smith joins us from Red Deer, Alberta to share insights from his practice. Together, we uncover how TCM techniques, like acupuncture and herbology, can offer much-needed support not only for those facing fertility issues but also for managing chronic conditions such as pain and migraines. Our conversation shines a light on the often-silent struggles men endure, urging a shift towards more open dialogues regarding reproductive health.

More about our guest speaker:
Dr. Cameron Smith is a licensed Doctor of Acupuncture (Dr. Ac) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMD). He has spent many years treating patients with injuries, chronic pain, and other ailments. He uses Acupuncture, Cupping, Moxibustion, and Chinese herbal medicine to safely and effectively bring his patients health back to homeostasis. While in college, Doctor Cam had lingering pain from a sports injury and was recommended to try acupuncture. He experienced first-hand the immediate pain relief and the healing ability of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dr. Cam was hooked and started investigating Traditional Chinese Medicine and its theory. Doctor Cam moved to Nelson, B.C., to study at the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences. After obtaining his Doctorate in 2005, he apprenticed with Acupuncture and Herbal Masters in Western Canada. Along the way, Doctor Cam taught courses at the Calgary College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and worked as an Acupuncturist on cruise ships. Dr. Cam practiced in Quito, Ecuador for the last decade. In 2022 he moved back to Alberta, becoming a locum throughout the province, as skilled male practitioners are in high demand. Cam has an in depth understanding of male health, and inflammatory responses pertaining to reproductive health.
https://linktr.ee/tcmdsmith

If you or your organization would like to sponsor educational episodes just like this, please contact us at [email protected].

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