Sit back, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the story of Jeff and Erin.
Eighteen years ago, Erin and I (Jeff, your storyteller for today) were just a couple of biology nerds navigating the halls of McMaster University. Our story began in a classroom where I caught Erin totally checking me out (she has a different take on that day), and somehow, I mustered the courage to ask her out on a date. Fast forward ten years, I got down on one knee to propose (it was in the snow too, I know right!). Now, eight years since that snowy, wet knee day, our journey has been full of love, laughter, and shared dreams. As we stand here today, our endeavour to start a family has taken center stage in our lives.
Erin and I have been proud homeowners in Toronto’s upper Beaches neighbourhood for the past six years. We are very fortunate to live in a safe neighbourhood with schools within walking distance, wonderful parks with playgrounds a stone’s throw away, and one of Toronto’s best beaches just down the road. Our joy comes from the simple pleasures of life, from daily strolls along the beach with our two furry companions, Juno (the sweetest 4-year-old German shepherd) and Penny (the energetic and cuddly 6-month-old German shepherd), to our weekly sacred ‘date night’ which involves our favourite pair track pants, a cozy movie, and something delicious to eat. For us, it’s all about two best friends just spending time together.
Alright, for the main event, let’s learn more about us!
Erin, 38, was born and raised in Toronto, ON. She is an incredible veterinarian in Toronto and has been practicing for 12 years. I am extremely proud to announce that she now owns her own practice in our local neighbourhood with a close veterinarian friend. Erin actually designed the clinic all by herself too (just had to brag about her a bit more!). All her life she had a dream of becoming a veterinarian as evidenced by her love of her pets – she even had a pet rat as a child (don’t worry, I have photo proof 😊!) Erin’s favourite past time is our daily dog walk along the beach (our daily ritual), spending time with our two kitties (Ben and Fig), finding the best chocolatey desserts, and coming up with her next home project – she is brilliant at interior design! Erin’s family also lives nearby (Burlington) and is an integral part of our lives. We cherish our weekly Sunday night family dinners together with her parents, two siblings, and their spouses. There is a lot of love waiting just around the corner 😊.
Jeff, 41, was and raised in Hamilton, ON. After earning a Master’s degree in Biology in 2007, my academic curiosity led me to the world of business culminating in the successful completion of a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in 2010 from the DeGroote School of Business. Massive nerd, yeah yeah I know… After graduating, I was offered an incredible job with one of the big five banks in Toronto and have been there ever since, loving every single year. In my current role, I am the head of a large product portfolio that manages over five million clients. One of the great perks of my job is the flexibility to work from home which allows for a schedule that ensures a great work/life balance. This flexibility also allows me to indulge in my love for cooking, as I prepare dinner for Erin every night for when she arrives home – we make sharing dinner together our priority. My other passion is fitness, and for the past 20 years I’ve been a dedicated gym-goer, never skipping a leg day (ok just don’t look at my calves…). I’m also a hockey enthusiast (Go Leafs Go!… sigh) having played since childhood. While I may not be the next Sidney Crosby, you can catch me every Sunday night hitting the ice in a men’s league with my close friends. As for my family, I have two amazing brothers and a father who all live nearby. My mother passed away a few years ago during COVID, but I know she is up there fighting on our side to help Erin and me during this journey to having our first child together.
Alright, so why are we here?
Six years ago, Erin was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. While we are incredibly fortunate that today’s medical advances mean that she can be symptom-free, the medication keeping her safe and protected is not safe for pregnancy. Consequently, our dream of conceiving a child together is not possible. We are, however, extremely grateful for scientific advances such as IVF that gives us hope of having a child with the help of surrogate. As it stands, we currently have a PGT-A genetically tested euploid embryo ready. We are also fully prepared to create additional embryos promptly if needed.
To our surrogate:
Erin and I would both love to have an open and honest relationship with you to the extent that you are comfortable with. You will be such an important part of our lives. From doctors’ appointments to delivery, and the life journey thereafter, we would love to be there with you every step of the way. We know the decision is entirely up to you and we will honour your privacy and wishes. We will also be completely open to our child about our journey – to us, it is a special story.
Financial support:
Financially, Erin and I are fully committed and prepared to support all of your needs throughout this entire journey (medical, emotional, wellness, well-being, nutrition, travel, lost wages, legal, etc., as well as any other special requests). Our promise is to ensure that you have complete financial peace of mind – we are on this journey together!
Conclusion:
If you made it this far, you’ve probably finished your popcorn and need a refill! Most importantly, THANK YOU for considering us. Our dream has always been to start a family together. We have so much love to give and can only wish that we can find a surrogate to help us on this amazing journey. What you do is selfless and incredible. Thank you for giving us hope.
Our 18-year journey is just beginning,