Lija, American Intended Parent in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, USA

Explain your reasons for wanting a surrogate/donor:

We have been married for 10 years and trying to have a child for about 5. We started IVF in *** after trying for over a year and then experiencing our 1st miscarriage. We did 4 rounds of IVF in *** with mixed results. While waiting for further insurance approval for our 5th cycle I was diagnosed with breast cancer in early *** The treatment compounded our infertility and it is now no longer safe or possible for me to get pregnant. We have two embryos preserved and PGS tested. We would love to find a GC willing to help us realize this dream after the long journey that has brought us to this point.

How would you best describe yourself(s):

We are a quiet, easy-going couple who love to travel, but when we are home, that is the best place to be. We are happy to be at home in each other's company, reading, enjoying a favorite show, or doing our own thing. Our own things are typically quilting or walking for me and Tai Chi and exercise for Dennis. I am a teacher and Dennis is an engineer turned acupuncturist. We love what we do and feel fortunate to have fulfilling jobs. Mostly, we try to appreciate and experience life!

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

Choosing to be a surrogate is a tremendous gift and sacrifice. We are in awe of you and grateful that you are willing to help us realize the dream of family. We look forward to getting to know you. We hope to build a trusting relationship because you are carrying our most precious dream. You will forever be a part of our family through our child. You will shelter, protect, and nurture them while they are at their most vulnerable. You will be the first voice and heart beat they hear. You will be the first one to rock them to sleep as you walk and the first one to feel them move as they grow and stretch. You will literally give of yourself to them and we will never be able to truly repay you for all of that. So, here is the first of many thank you's, of many expressions of graditude and support. Here is to a family that we weren't sure we would ever have, but thanks to you, we just might.