A Journey of Hope: Nicole’s Story with MyCatholicDoctor
Nicole grew up a cradle Catholic in Cincinnati, attending Catholic schools through high school and developing a deep love for her faith. After moving to Louisville, Kentucky, to study industrial engineering, she met her future husband through the Catholic campus ministry. Even early in their relationship, they knew they wanted to build a marriage rooted in Church teaching, including practicing Natural Family Planning (NFP).
During their NFP instruction, Nicole’s first fertility chart showed signs that something might be off. Though her instructor flagged it as unusual, Nicole didn’t think much of it at the time. She wasn’t experiencing major symptoms, and starting a family wasn’t their immediate focus after marriage.
When they later began trying to conceive, the path turned out to be much harder than expected. Nicole, determined and resourceful, threw herself into researching natural ways to support fertility. But after months of trying and chasing solutions, she grew exhausted and frustrated. “I kind of honestly ran myself a little ragged,” she said.
After nearly two years, Nicole decided to surrender the process to God and step back. In a beautiful example of God’s timing, she soon found herself pregnant with her first child, Miriam Lily, born in October 2019 — a joyful answer to years of prayer.
When they hoped to expand their family again, the familiar struggles returned. This time, Nicole sought medical support but hesitated when offered immediate medications or referral to secular fertility clinics. She hoped for a different path — one that honored her faith and sought to heal the root causes.
That’s when Nicole found MyCatholicDoctor, calling it either “a whim or a Holy Spirit moment” that led her to the website. After an initial telehealth consultation, she was referred to Dr. Karen Dalton, who would walk with her through a journey of hope and healing.
At their first meeting, Dr. Dalton took the time to listen deeply to Nicole’s history, reviewed her past lab work carefully, and immediately suspected a diagnosis others had missed: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Together, they created a plan that focused on nutrition, reducing sugar intake, adding targeted supplements, and supporting the body’s natural rhythms.
Nicole quickly noticed changes: better sleep, more energy, gradual weight loss, and signs of healthier cycle patterns. “I didn’t feel like I needed as much sleep to have more energy,” she shared. Even though the road was not without its challenges, Nicole knew she was finally moving toward healing.
One of the things Nicole appreciated most was Dr. Dalton’s compassion and patience. Nicole described how Dr. Dalton treated her as a whole person, encouraging her to celebrate joys and not be too hard on herself for occasional setbacks. “Vacations are meant to relax and have fun,” Dr. Dalton reminded her, giving her the space to embrace life’s simple joys along the way.
Toward the end of 2023, Nicole again felt the emotional fatigue of the long journey and decided to take a break from intense health efforts. Around that time, she attended a women’s retreat at her parish, where she wrestled with the challenge of embracing completely to God’s will. It was a powerful moment of letting go — and in His perfect timing, a few months later, she learned she was pregnant again.
Their son, August Joseph, was born in late November — another unexpected blessing, and another “God wink” reminding Nicole that His plans were always at work, even when unseen. There were other beautiful signs of God’s providence too, like discovering that the doctor who delivered August would later attend the very same parish retreat group Nicole was part of.
Throughout her journey, Nicole leaned deeply on prayer, especially seeking the intercession of the Blessed Mother. Their daughter’s name, Miriam Lily, and their son’s connections to Marian shrines and devotion, reflect that trust and love.
Today, Nicole reflects with gratitude on the gift of faithful healthcare. Her story is a testament to what MyCatholicDoctor offers — compassionate, life-affirming care that honors both faith and science, walking with patients through the joys and the struggles, always grounded in trust in God’s perfect plan.
