Hodaya Bauer Overcomes Cancer Twice and Champions Fertility Support Community

Hodaya Bauer's life changed dramatically at age 13 when she was diagnosed with aggressive cancer, undergoing two years of treatments including surgery and radiation. Although she survived, the treatments left her infertile, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with challenges beyond her illness. She served in national service, met her future husband, also a cancer survivor, and together they openly confronted their fertility struggles from the start of their relationship.

Shortly after beginning fertility treatments, Hodaya faced a second cancer diagnosis. After another round of intense treatment and survival, she was told she could not carry a pregnancy or pursue surrogacy, adoption, or foster care for years. This devastating news led her to redefine her understanding of womanhood and motherhood, deciding not to let infertility define her life. Despite the pain, she chose to remain actively involved in family life, even when new births reminded her of her loss.

Recognizing a lack of true community support for women facing fertility challenges, Hodaya founded "The Happiness Along the Way," a network offering belonging and companionship rather than just support groups. This initiative grew into multiple communities across Israel and integrated with the Po'eh Institute, where she continues to assist women and families.

Her personal journey toward building a family was long and difficult, with many closed doors in adoption, foster care, and surrogacy. Eventually, a foster child joined their home, followed by the birth of twins through surrogacy. Today, Hodaya and her husband raise three children. She openly shares her story to inspire others, emphasizing that while she did not give birth herself, she continues to "give birth" through the women she supports and the hope she fosters.

"God decreed I would not bear children, but I refuse to impose further decrees on myself," she says, highlighting her resilience and dedication to helping others navigate similar paths.