Actress and entrepreneur Laura Orrico has recently embraced motherhood with the arrival of her daughter, Aviana Rose, born in February. The birth is particularly poignant as it comes nearly 19 years after her late husband, Ryan Cosgrove, preserved his sperm prior to his diagnosis with a brain tumour. Ryan, who passed away in 2015, faced years of treatment that included chemotherapy and radiation, and although the couple had planned to start a family, they encountered numerous struggles with fertility.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Laura-Orrico-5-032426-47d3784b2846479db37d9df19fec4c34.jpg)
Laura pioneered the journey to motherhood alone despite the challenges she faced after Ryan’s death. Speaking to PEOPLE, she indicated that the reality of not having a family of her own was one of her greatest fears. “I really felt like this was my last shot,” she expressed, reflecting on how determined she was to fulfil her dream of motherhood.
The couple’s journey to conceive began after they had been together for several years. They married in 2004, but by 2006, Ryan began experiencing severe migraines that ultimately led to his diagnosis of a grade 2 astrocytoma. Before starting intensive treatment, a neurosurgeon recommended that they freeze Ryan’s sperm, a decision that would later prove crucial.
In the years that followed, Ryan endured several rounds of treatment for his illness, which included multiple recurrences of cancer. Laura shared their heartbreak as they tried unsuccessfully for a family, undergoing various fertility treatments without success. “It was incredibly heartbreaking,” she recalled, outlining the emotional toll it took on them both.
Ryan’s untimely passing in April 2015 marked a devastating chapter in Laura’s life. Following his death, she reflected on her desire to become a parent and spent several years in a long-term relationship, yet the dream remained unfulfilled. As she approached her 50s, Laura felt the pressure of age weighing on her aspirations for parenthood, especially after experiencing previous miscarriages.
Determined to explore her options for motherhood, Laura made the courageous decision to use Ryan’s frozen sperm. With the encouragement of their families, she embarked on the IVF process. The moment she discovered she was pregnant last spring filled her with astonishment and joy.
Despite the high-risk nature of her pregnancy, Laura described the overall experience as “amazing”. Her daughter was delivered via C-section at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, and the connection between Aviana and her late father was instant. “Aviana looks very similar to Ryan,” she reflected, recognising how her daughter embodies his legacy and spirit.
The moment Aviana was born, Ryan’s parents were able to meet their new granddaughter for the first time. Laura expressed her gratitude for their support, describing the meeting as a beautiful moment that filled them all with joy. “What a miracle for them, too,” she remarked, highlighting the significance of this family connection that transcended loss and grief.
Laura Orrico’s heartwarming journey to motherhood serves as a testament to resilience and hope. Today, as she embraces the joys and responsibilities that come with being a new parent, she encourages others to pursue their dreams, stating, “Anything is possible. Dreams do come true.” Her story is a reminder of the bonds that can endure through love and memory, celebrating the future while honouring the past.
For those interested in hearing more about Laura’s inspiring journey, her full story can be found in the latest issue of PEOPLE magazine.