Michelle, Canadian Intended Parent in Toronto, Canada

Explain your reasons for wanting a surrogate/donor:

I was recently informed that if I choose to get pregnant that I risk another heart or brain aneurysm that could rupture during of after pregnancy which could be fatal and I also could have severe complications during the pregnancy such as a ruptured uterus. My story to my current situation goes as follows: I had suffered a terrible miscarriage in *** and afterwards I could not get pregnant to my great disappointment. I was surprised why I was not able to get pregnant in the six months that followed so I went to see a fertility specialist. After many tests my doctor had informed me that there was nothing wrong with me and its possible my husband could be the reason I was not getting pregnant. We had my husband checked out and his sperm count was extremely low due to a a condition called variocele; he also had a fragmented DNA problem. My husband needed to have surgery to correct his problem. Prior to my husband's surgery, we were informed by his urologist that we should do IVF just in case the surgery was not successful and his condition worsens. We heeded the doctor's advice and I underwent IVF in March *** I produced 12 strong eggs for fertilization. All eggs fertilized but when they were genetically tested they came back abnormal. My husband thought it was him and was devastated. During the same time, my cousin found out she had a cerebral aneurysm as she got checked out due to distant cousins suffering from a condition called Loeys-Ditz Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder. Given this info, I also requested to get checked out because I thought perhaps our abnormal embryos was maybe from my genes not my husband's. When I saw a geneticist we did many tests and it was found out I had a fast growing heart aneurysm which needed open heart surgery. Days prior to my heart surgery we found out I had three brain aneurysms. After testing, it was realized I had Loeys-Ditz Syndrome ["LDS"] and that made me prone to having aneurysms. As you can imagine, my whole life was shaken and I thought I could die because I had serious issues that needed major surgeries to save my life. To my and my family's joy, the surgeries have been successful and I am doing well, its been 10 weeks since my heart surgery and 12 weeks since my brain surgery. However, I saw a pregnancy cardiologist last week and she informed me that if I choose to get pregnant given I have LDS I run the risk of the child and/or myself dying of serious complications that could affect the quality of life for both the child and if I don't have any ruptured aneurysms. This was disheartening news as I have been trying to be a mother for four years now and it seems that if I choose to get pregnant I could have serious and fatal risks to myself and baby. I have decided that its best I look into a gestational surrogate. I have discussed a surrogate with the cardiologist and she feels that is my safest measure to have a child that is still genetically mine; hence me reaching out. I have done some research these past couple of days and its seems this is the best organization to assist with gestational surrogacy. I was hoping that I could be a candidate to be considered for surrogates. I would like to get signed up for the process and look forward to someone contacting me.

How would you best describe yourself(s):

Loyal, Reliable, Compassionate, Empathetic, Giving, Nurturing, Genuine, Strong, Loving, Advocate

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

You know what it means to have the gift of life. I have wanted a child for quite some time and I am happy to be alive but it seems that having a child of my own may risk my life. I am willing to take the risk but my husband and family want me around so I am looking for a gestational surrogate to help. I am a very giving person and do alot of pro bono and social justice work because I believe in giving back. We are very fortunate to being in Canada and have our life. I believe we should all do our own little part to help. When I had my surgeries, I needed a blood transfusion. I had donated blood over 35 times before I actually needed it. My donations came full circle. I had offered my cousin to carry a child for her, now I may need the same help from a stranger. I want to be a mother, I am hoping someone can help me.