Sherry Santana De Leon shares her experience with surrogacy. Initially facing financial challenges during her first marriage, she considered egg donation but didn’t meet the criteria. Despite this, she remained interested in helping another family.
In 2015, she discussed surrogacy with her current husband, Benjamin. Initially hesitant, he researched surrogacy and eventually supported her decision. Sherry applied and was matched with intended parents.
Her first surrogacy journey was significant but led to another unexpected request. The intended parents asked her to carry a second child. The situation was emotional; the couple had limited embryos after losing previous pregnancies with another surrogate. Sherry agreed after successfully delivering the first child.
During the pregnancy with the second child, Emily, the COVID-19 pandemic began. Travel restrictions prevented the intended parents from reaching the United States. Sherry and her husband were asked to care for Emily temporarily, a request they accepted due to Sherry’s past foster care experience.
“When Emily was born, she came home with us—not as our daughter, but as a child we were responsible for, to love and protect until her parents could be with her.”
Emily became part of their lives, and Sherry formed a deep bond with her. They stayed in contact with Emily’s parents, providing comfort through video calls during quarantine.
When the time came for Emily to leave, it was a poignant moment. Sherry’s family felt an emotional void, but they understood this was the goal. Sherry later became pregnant with her youngest son, aiding in their healing process.
Sherry continues to check in occasionally with Emily’s family. She emphasizes that surrogacy is about giving a family something they can’t achieve alone. It requires emotional strength and support, far beyond financial considerations.
Sherry Santana De Leon, 34, is a surrogate and mother who works as a nurse. She grew up in San Bernardino, California.
Leave a Reply