Starting a family doesn’t always follow the path we imagine.
Jess, a 32-year-old Early Childhood Educator from Queensland, had always dreamed of becoming a mum. She did everything ‘right’ — built a home, saved, found stability. But a medical diagnosis changed everything. Jess was diagnosed with Narcolepsy, and the medications she needed to live a functional daily life weren’t safe for pregnancy. Eventually, her doctors suggested something she hadn’t anticipated: surrogacy.
“I had always imagined I’d be the one helping someone else start a family,” Jess shares. “It was confronting to realise I was now the one in need.”
Like many Intended Parents, Jess faced doubt. At a Growing Families event in Brisbane in 2024, surrounded by people navigating similar challenges, something shifted. She heard stories that reignited her belief in what was possible — and found a supportive community that encouraged her to move forward.
“I didn’t feel like I deserved to be there at first, but during the lunch break I spoke with others who truly understood. Their words gave me hope — and courage.”
That turning point led to something extraordinary. Jess met Charmaine at another local surrogacy gathering. A connection sparked. They spent time building a genuine friendship — and on a Disney cruise together, Charmaine made a surprise offer that changed Jess’s life: to be her surrogate.
Today, Jess has frozen embryos ready and is preparing for counselling and legal steps with hopes for an August 2025 transfer.
“It all started with showing up — even when I felt unsure. That one event helped me believe in this journey again.”
Exploring your own path to parenthood? Join us at an upcoming Growing Families event and discover the support, education, and connections that can help turn your dream into reality.
