When one in six couples faces the heartache of infertility, many find hope in the loving arms of a surrogate. One such woman is Ashley Mareko, Program Director at SurrogateFirst, who has helped bring four healthy babies into the world for families unable to do so themselves. Her story is not just about the babies she’s carried, but about the love and hope she spreads along the way.
A Selfless Decision
Ashley, a mother of two, made the heartfelt decision to share her gift of carrying babies with others. “I’m here to love them as much as I can, keep them safe, and get them back to their parents,” she shares with a warm smile. “My job was just to love them, grow them, and return them back to their parents.”
The Science of Surrogacy
In the world of surrogacy, the babies carried by surrogates like Ashley do not share any DNA with them. She puts it simply: “I am an oven, and that is their bun. My intended mother’s oven didn’t work, so she asked me to bake her cake for her.” Through the wonders of science, embryos are created and then lovingly carried by surrogates.
A Call for More Surrogates
Ashley is passionate about the need for more surrogates, emphasizing both the emotional and financial rewards of this journey. “There are moms out there who deserve a baby; they’d be amazing moms,” she says earnestly. “For every one qualified surrogate, there are ten families looking.”
While the journey can be costly, Ashley points out that help is available. “There are grants, there are scholarships. A lot of employers are now offering fertility benefits to help families grow.”
Understanding the Journey
It’s essential for potential surrogates to do their research, understand the requirements, and meet with someone experienced who can guide them through the process. “It’s important to understand how long the process is gonna take, and then meet with someone like myself, who can talk you through it about the ups, the downs, the positives, the negatives, the commitment,” Ashley explains.
A Lifelong Connection
One of the beautiful aspects of surrogacy is the choice to maintain a lifelong connection or part ways after birth. Ashley chooses to stay in touch with the families she’s helped. “I love them, I care for them, but I can go home because Auntie Ashley’s gonna go and rest,” she laughs.
A Testament to Love
Ashley Mareko’s journey is a testament to the power of love and the incredible impact surrogacy can have on families. Her story is a call to action for those who might consider becoming a surrogate, offering hope and joy to families in need. In a world where many struggle to start their families, Ashley’s selfless decision shines as a beacon of hope.
