The single most special thing we can create in this world is new life. But, what happens when the body you’ve been given doesn’t allow you to have a child of your own? Some people accept their reality, some choose adoption, and others look to other alternatives such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). This process can require a lot of IVF needles.
And that’s exactly what Patricia and Kimberly O’Neill did. What they didn’t expect, however, is the challenging and seemingly impossible road they had ahead. Mothers everywhere will attest to the fact that having a child is no easy feat and the O’Neills story gives new meaning to that.
Patricia and Kimberly’s baby, London, was born on August 3, 2018. If you were to see her in the street, you would think she’s an absolute cutie. What many people aren’t aware of are the four years, three miscarriages, and 1,616 IVF shots in total (including the ones which sadly ended in miscarriage) it took to conceive their little miracle.
1,616 IVF Needles

To commemorate their daughter, the O’Neills hired Samantha Packer of Packer Family Photography to take baby and family photos. Little did they know, Packer would capture the one shot that is inspiring and giving hope to people – especially women – around the world.
“Kimberly decided as soon as I started shots that she would save the needs and that we would do a photo at the end of our journey,” Patricia told BuzzFeed. [1] “I never expected there would be so many needles.”
Don’t worry! On top of being tightly swaddled, each of the 1,616 IVF needles was securely covered. Although it doesn’t look like it in the photo, Patricia ensures she and Kimberly were right next to London and that she was a good distance away from them.
London O’Neill, A Symbol of Hope

“We want [London’s photo] to bring hope for women that are hopeless in this journey and a voice for women that are afraid to speak of it… We both were amazed and teared up when we saw the set-up. We were overwhelmed with joy looking at the miraculous completion of our journey in the photo.”
One can only imagine the fear and disappointment and sense of failure some women must feel when they can’t conceive… let alone having to rely so heavily on medical professionals. But, with this photo of London, the O’Neills are able to reflect on their long and hard-fought journey in a new light – a light of strength, hope, perseverance, and love.