Stephanie, American Intended Parent in San Diego, California, USA

Explain your reasons for wanting a surrogate/donor:

I want a surrogate because I am unable to conceive on my own. I commend any woman who cares enough to give other families, who are not as fortunate, the gift of life. I want to share in the pregnancy experience with a prospective surrogate who is willing to bless my family. I am also seeking a donor. It appears I can carry a child, but I believe I will need a donor. I have had 2 failed IVF cycles. I was planning to fly to Prague and use a donor egg there because some of the prices in America are astronomical.

How would you best describe yourself(s):

I am a Christian woman who loves children, which is why I currently volunteer at a Domestic Violence Shelter and at the Monarch school for homeless children. I have a degree in Sociology and a minor in Education from the University of California, San Diego. I am passionate about equality in education for all children. My diagnosis of infertility was debilitating for a time because it made me feel like my body was failing me and my once affable demeanor was shattered, however, now I am on a mission to make it happen. I want the opportunity to give a child the upbringing that I was so blessed to have. My parents have been married 40 years and they love each other. Despite the good in my life, I have a huge hole because I am unable to conceive a child. I live in San Diego, CA and work in higher education. My husband works for Southwest Airlines and is looking forward to becoming Father one day.

Use this space to communicate a letter to potential Surrogates/Donors:

I have been with my husband for 13 years and we have been trying to start a family for the last 8 years. During the process, I unfortunately had to have my tubes removed which left me with IVF and/or surrogacy as my only option. I have had two IVF failures and considered adoption until surrogacy became an option. I would still love to adopt but it is very expensive as well, so I will seek one process at a time. I am seeking a surrogate who wants to give the gift of life to a couple with whom are unable to conceive. Of course money is a factor, but I want to share the experience with a good person who TRULY wants to grant the gift of live to a couple who is unable to conceive. I am also open to a surrogate that wants to keep in touch even after the birth. We are a very loving couple, and I want the surrogate, if the surrogate agrees, for her to keep in touch. If the surrogate does not want to keep in touch, that is fine too.My husband has worked at Southwest Airlines for 20 years and he gets free flight tickets; therefore, we can fly in a potential surrogate or egg donor from anywhere in the states and some places in other countries, we also fly free so if you are a surrogate in another country we can fly to you. Part of either egg donning and/or surrogate I am going to be very open with my child and the truth is the child would not have been brought into this world without the surrogate. Infertility began to change me as a person being that I have always been a fun-loving, positive person because as a young girl you just know you are going to be a Mother one day. It is hard to watch friends, co-workers, and even strangers having children, when that is what I am missing in my life. Everyday people ask, "When are you and your husband going to have kids". That used to make me so sad; however, I have since accepted my plight but vowed to not give up. It is really hard sharing my pain with loved ones because they all have children and it hurts them to see me in pain. The good news is I am happily married and my husband is very supportive even after the emotional and financial burden infertility has caused. I believe everything happens for a reason and I am blessed with many other things in life. We are very positive that we will be parents one day. I would be forever grateful to a surrogate who is wiling to give us the gift of life.