Name: Emily
Birth date: 1/1/87
Education: University
Location: Peterborough, ON Canada
Why you became a surrogate:
I have seen friends and family members struggle with fertility.I thought as someone who could help them (or someone like them), why shouldn't I? Children are such an amazing gift and blessing and how unfair is it that some people just aren't able to carry their own for whatever reason.No one should be denied the joy a child brings simply because they are unable to carry a child themselves; whether it be for medical reasons or sexual orientation.Parenting has nothing to do with the carrying of the child and it breaks my heart that some people can’t experience the amazing journey of parenthood just because of this hurdle.My husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer after we had our children and the doctors told us he probably wouldn’t be able to have more kids.Despite the fact we were pretty sure we were done building our family it was painful to possibly have that option taken away from us.So I can’t even begin to imagine the pain of knowing having your own children will be a huge obstacle when you have not yet finished building your family.So that was the final factor that solidified my desire to help other people experience this amazing journey called parenthood that isn’t always sunshine and rainbows but is still one million percent worth it.
What do you do for living, how surrogacy has affected your employment/family:
My surrogacy journey has been fantastic for my kids.It really opened up the dialogue that while all families are not necessarily created the same or made up of the same people they are just as loving and significant.When I began my journey both of my kids were young enough that they did not understand surrogacy is not the ‘norm’ so I love watching them educate people on surrogacy in such an upfront, no nonsense way with no hesitation.I work as a bookkeeper at a small local financial firm so my surrogacy journey didn’t really affect my job.I had to take a few extra days off work for screening and cycle monitoring but my boss supported my journey and was more than willing to give me the time off for something so important.Surrogacy also opened up some really interesting conversations with clients when they congratulated me on my growing belly.I’d say I have gained quite a few new contacts solely from them being so interested in the whole journey.
What does your family do for fun:
My family is all about spending time together no matter what we’re doing.We love to disconnect and go camping; whether it’s camping at Halliburton Forest or even in our backyard (or living room for the nasty winter months).We’re also a family of gamers and movie lovers so it’s been so fun to share the games and movies of our childhood with our kids and get to experience them all over again.I love to take the kids sledding and skating whereas my husband is more of a summer guy and enjoys soccer and swimming with the kids.There’s also nothing better than curling up in pajamas and reading a book (whether alone or with the family!)
Some fun facts about you:
Growing up my future profession plans changed on a daily basis.Although my mom was a bookkeeper, I thought it seemed like a terribly boring career.It wasn’t until a high school teacher used Monopoly to teach accounting principals that I fell in love with the profession.
I love anything that’s got my name on it.For some reason as soon as you customize something with my name consider it sold!
I don’t have a favorite music genre.I literally listen to anything.My radio station surfing drives my husband nutty.
