Woman in Tears After Viral Video of Her Eating McDonald’s Fries Following IVF Transfer Sparks Worldwide Support
NEW HAMPSHIRE — What started as a simple good-luck ritual turned into a viral outpouring of love for one woman on her fertility journey. Heather Demers, 36, shared a TikTok video of herself eating McDonald’s fries after an IVF transfer, a superstition believed by many to bring luck — and within hours, people around the world were doing the same for her.
The video, which has since been viewed more than 6 million times, brought Demers to tears as followers flooded her messages with support, photos, and videos of themselves eating fries in solidarity. “I was lying in bed after my transfer, feeling sad and uncomfortable, scrolling through tag after tag after tag,” Heather said. “I was just bawling my eyes out. I couldn’t believe how loved and supported we were.”
Infertility Journey and Unexpected Diagnosis
Heather and her husband, Nate, began trying to grow their family after he returned from military service abroad. Their journey started with hope, but after a year of trying, doctors diagnosed Heather with unexplained infertility — a condition that left her with more questions than answers.
“It’s the best and worst diagnosis,” she told PEOPLE. “You’re relieved that nothing’s wrong, but at the same time, you just wish there was an answer — something to fix.”
After four rounds of IUI (intrauterine insemination) and one round of IVF, the couple turned to a fertility community online for emotional support. That’s when Heather learned of the “McDonald’s fries ritual” — an unofficial superstition suggesting that eating fries after an embryo transfer brings good luck.
A Viral Movement of Love and Support
Heather shared the lighthearted idea with her TikTok followers, jokingly inviting others to join her. What followed was an overwhelming show of empathy. “People were like, ‘Let us know the day — we’re all getting fries with you!’” she said.
When the transfer day arrived, Heather posted her fries moment — and almost instantly, people began tagging her in their own videos. From strangers to friends, many recorded themselves eating fries in her honor, with one person writing, “I just DoorDashed some McDonald’s fries for you 🤍.”
McDonald’s itself even joined the viral trend, commenting, “i know now tysm ❤️🥹.”
Heather later compiled the videos into a montage — including a sweet clip of her dogs “joining in” with toy fries. “It was such a beautiful reminder that kindness still exists,” she said.
@heather.demers Overwhelmed with love 🥲 #transferday @McDonald’s do ya’ll know how popular you are in the IVF community? 😂😭🍟 #ivftransfer #milspouse #ivfjourney #infertility
Doctors Weigh In on the Fries Tradition
Dr. Tomer Singer, chief of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Northwell Health, told PEOPLE that while there’s no scientific proof behind the fries ritual, small comforts can be meaningful during IVF.
“While a serving of fries isn’t a magic bullet, sometimes comfort food helps your mental well-being during such an intense time,” he said. “We just remind patients to practice moderation.”
He added that in some cases, salty foods like fries or broth may actually help patients recovering from Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, making the ritual “not entirely off base.”
After the Viral Moment: Heartbreak and Hope
Despite the support, Heather later shared that this round of IVF was unsuccessful. Still, she remains hopeful. “Everyone was just so happy and excited, and I didn’t want to ruin anyone’s day,” she admitted. “But I’m hopeful — we’re already signed up to go back in January for a frozen embryo transfer.”
Frozen transfers, she noted, can often yield higher success rates after allowing the body time to rest. “I’m trying to stay positive,” she said.
Breaking the Silence Around Infertility
Through her viral story, Heather has inspired thousands to open up about their own struggles. “People message me saying, ‘You made me feel less scared,’ or ‘I go for my transfer today,’” she said. “That’s why I keep sharing — because infertility shouldn’t be a taboo topic.”
Heather also wants others to know that it’s okay to take a different path or timeline. “Once you hit 35, doctors start calling it ‘high risk,’ which can be scary,” she explained. “But I want other women to know it’s still possible — it’s okay to do IVF later in life.”
A Message to Others Waiting for Their Miracle
Despite the setbacks, Heather’s optimism shines through. “When we do get pregnant — not if, but when — I can’t wait to celebrate and show that we overcame something hard,” she said. “There are so many of us out there just waiting for our little miracles.”
Her story, now shared across platforms and embraced by thousands, has become a symbol of resilience — proof that even something as simple as a bag of fries can bring a world of comfort to those holding on to hope.
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