Hannah, American Intended Parent in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, USA

Explain your reasons for wanting a surrogate/donor:

I have always wanted children of my own. I don’t believe I would be exaggerating if I said my entire life has prepared me to be a mom. I am the oldest of three children and the oldest grandchild on both sides of the family. In short, from the time I was young, I changed a lot of diapers, wiped a bunch of runny noses, did a whole lot of babysitting, never got paid and loved every minute of it! Throughout school I volunteered in children’s wards of hospitals and worked with various charities that helped sick kids with different diseases, including cancer. I always wanted to be a doctor and thought I’d become a pediatrician. But the first time a little kid screamed and clung to his mom at the site of my white coat and stethoscope, I decided I would treat adults, but make sure I had a family of my own. I became a physician and after finishing my training, I realized that being on call was not the best way to be around for school plays, little league, family dinners and homework. So I went back to school, got a degree in medical research and made sure that when I had my children, I could leave my medical practice and work more regular hours, even from home, and devote more time to what mattered most, family. I also became a professor at a medical school and taught physicians and physicians-to-be. My career ultimately mirrored how one might describe motherhood: dedicated to teaching and taking care of people. So with flexibility now worked into my career, I figured I had it all worked out. What is it they say? Man plans, God laughs?! All my planning did not prepare me for dealing with the complications of my health. My entire life, I’ve lived with a chronic immune condition that affects my eyes and my joints, but I’ve never let it stop me. While in my 20’s, my condition progressed and since then, I’ve required medication that fortunately keeps the disease under control, but which over the years has compromised my fertility and ability to carry a pregnancy. Choosing to undergo these treatments was difficult, but I decided early on that my children would be better off having a mother who could see and run and play with them, rather than one who carried them in her uterus for the first nine months. That’s where you come in. I am so hopeful that you will allow me the blessing of children and the privilege of motherhood.

How would you best describe yourself(s):

I am a warm, outgoing, kind and caring person who has always dreamed of motherhood. I am loyal and ambitious, and right now my ambition is wholly focused on becoming a mom. Although I have a full-time job doing medical research, I have arranged it so that I can work from home at least 2-3 days a week (with the possibility of more time at home). I like to read, write and cook. I’m a big baseball fan. I enjoy doing all sorts of arts and crafts like drawing, painting, knitting, crocheting, and needlepoint. I hope that someday soon I will have a reason make all sorts of baby clothes and paint storybook characters on the walls of a nursery. My support system is incredible. My parents recently moved and live only two blocks from my home. My mom is a retired school teacher specializing in early education and my dad is about to retire from his dental practice. They cannot wait to have grandchildren nearby (a big part of why they moved from NY to be close to me in PA). My sister is a pediatrician and lives about half an hour away with her husband. My brother, also a dentist, and new sister-in-law are only an hour away. We’ve always been close I see them quite often. They too are looking forward to having some kids in the family. We all get together frequently for barbecues, to go to shows, visit museums, and lots of family events (my parents celebrate their 50th anniversary this year). I have many friends and a religious community that is also a big part of my life and very supportive.

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

I’m not even sure where to start. How do you express the awe and gratitude for someone who is willing to do for you what you cannot do for yourself and want so badly, especially if right now that someone is a stranger? That you are taking the time to consider helping me to have a child this way tells me you are someone with a generous heart and special soul. For this I thank you. I’m not sure what to expect or how I will feel during the pregnancy. However, given my personality, I suspect that I’ll want to talk somewhat frequently to find out how you are feeling, what you are experiencing, and to be as supportive as I can be. I suspect that at times I’ll be a little sad and jealous that it’s not me who is pregnant and so to share in as much of the experience as possible I will probably want to go to a few doctor’s appointments to see an ultrasound or two. If possible, I would like to be in the delivery room when the baby is born. After giving birth, I can’t imagine not having some contact with you to at least let you know how the baby is doing and to share some pictures. While this will likely become less frequent over time; you will always be a special part of this, my miraculous family. Thank you for considering carrying my child; I know that it takes a special person to do something like this. It is a gift for which I will forever be grateful. Hopeful mom-to-be, Hannah