Shortly after launching HelpUsAdopt.org in 2007, Becky Fawcett found herself watching Natalie Morales on the TODAY show talking about her fertility issues. It was a refrain Fawcett—and millions of women across the U.S.—knew all too well. The journalist, finally pregnant with her second child, revealed how she struggled to conceive for two-and-a-half years and ultimately turned to intrauterine insemination.

While Fawcett ended up adopting—which, in turn, lead to HelpUsAdopt.org and her mission to make adoption financially accessible to all—their road to motherhood began similarly, with heartbreak. So, as she listened to Morales open up about her journey, Fawcett had an idea. The former PR and marketing exec cold-emailed the anchor. Who better to share her story than someone who had experienced infertility firsthand?

“When I heard about what she was doing, I had to learn more,” Morales recalls. “It almost sounded too good to be true. I did my homework and, while on maternity leave, my producer and I decided to do a story on Becky and HelpUsAdopt.org.” Sixteen years later, Morales continues to be tireless advocate as a member of the organization’s advisory board.

Here, we chat one-on-one with The Talk co-host and CBS News correspondent about the cause and why it’s so important to her.

What’s one surprising thing you learned while reporting this story?

How much discrimination and disparity exists. That it is not enough to prove you can be a good parent, you have to appear a certain way or be a certain kind of person. It’s outrageous.

Misconceptions about adoption you’d like to clear up?  

The idea that it’s any different than becoming a parent biologically. When that baby is placed in your arms, it is your child, your blood, your soul.

What do people not realize about adoption in the U.S.?

Despite this being the most free country in the world, it is also very difficult to adopt and outrageously expensive. Many agencies work with mostly “traditional” families and there are still many discriminatory practices in how they select who can adopt.

Most memorable moment with HelpUsAdopt.org?

Seeing how far it’s come, from a kitchen-table operation to giving millions in grants and helping create hundreds of families—you can’t overstate that impact.

From now to the end of March, we will donate a portion of proceeds from every single veronicabeard.com order to HelpUsAdopt.org, which helps families in the U.S. overcome the financial obstacles of adoption. Learn more here.