From KSDK-TV, February 5, 2006

Doctors at Washington University School Medicine say more young people are surviving cancer.

There is also new hope for male and female cancer patients who want to have a family. Tammy Manzo Figg, 27, was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer only weeks before her wedding.

"It was devastating because I always wanted to be a mom and to have that concern that maybe I would never be able to have children," said Figg. Figg''s specialists had told her pending intense chemotherapy and radiation could leave her sterile.

But Figg, and her husband Bryan, did their homework and quickly found they have options.

"She chose to go through IVF cycle. We retrieved her eggs and fertilized them with her partner''s sperm, then after her treatments we placed the embryos in her uterus, its a wonderful story," explained Dr. Valerie Ratts. Ratts is an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Washington University School Of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

Figg had a less than 30-percent chance of getting pregnant. The couple''s second attempt was successful. Last September, Ayden Figg came into the world.

"It''s a miracle," said Ratts. The Figgs agree. "I still live with cancer everyday and I do worry, is it going to come back, am I going to see him graduate from high school, get married, but Ayden is my hope," explained Figg.

The family has established the Figg Tree Foundation to help other patients and families. You can reach the Foundation at 636-240-5949. For more information about the fertility procedure call (314) 286-2457.