Dear Prospective Donor,

My name is [Her name] and I hope that together we can make my biggest dream come true. Ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to be a mom. I have always felt a strong connection with children, more so than with adults. When I was younger I volunteered in the church nursery and began babysitting when I was in middle school. I decided to go into education field because I knew I wanted to work with children. In college I thought I wanted to teach elementary school, so I got my undergraduate degree in Elementary education. I spent some time in a Kindergarten class and discovered that early childhood was my calling, so I decided to get my Master’s in Early Childhood Education. I taught for 13 years, teaching four and five year olds. In 2017, I decided that I needed a break from teaching so I left the school system. I still wanted to work with kids, so began working as an Early Interventionist. Doing this job, I have gained more experience with children a variety of ages from birth to 6. I have also been leading camps and classes doing fairy tale themed activities and crafts. I have a background in theater and enjoy doing dramatic play.

As I said before, I have always wanted to be a mom and I didn’t want the fact that I was single stop that. I would love to get married, but it hasn’t worked out for me so far. I have tried IUI using a sperm donor 5 times without out any success. My doctor thinks that IVF is the next step, although she thinks using an egg donor is the best option. I began researching embryo donation and I decided it is the best option for me. I have also looked into other ways to become a parent. I am currently a licensed foster parent. So far I have cared for 4 children, all under the age of 2. My first foster child came to me out from the NICU. I cared for him for 5 weeks until he went to live with his grandma. I am still connected with her and I get updated pictures from her. My second foster was 18 months old and I had him for 2 months before he went home to his mom. Though I am not connected with his family, I still look at his pictures and think about him often. My third foster was almost three months old. I had him for almost 3 months until he went back with his mom. I was able to meet with mom once and still receive updates with pictures. My last foster I had for just 1 night until she was moved to be closer to her siblings. I have loved being a foster parent and will always cherish my time with them. I would love to adopt a child from foster care if I am able to. Being a foster parent has really spurred the desire to have a child of my own that I can talk care of for the rest of my life.

Any child I have would become part of an amazing family. I have a loving and supportive family. They have been amazing with all of my foster babies. My parents were married for almost 50 years before my dad passed away. I have two sisters that I am very close with. I’m fortunate that both of my sisters live in the area. I have 2 nieces and 1 nephew. I was able to see all of them being born. My oldest sister’s children are 16 and 18 and my middle sister is a single parent of a 7 year old girl. I have been extremely present in all of their lives especially the 7-year-old’s. I have watched them over night, gone to school presentations and even tutored them. They have been extremely helpful with my foster babies and treated them as part of our family. They will be by mine and the child’s side every step of the way.

My extended family lives in two different states within driving distance. When I was younger, we would spend the holidays with my grandparents and cousins. One of my favorite holiday traditions that we still do today is during Christmas, we sit around in a circle and we go from youngest to oldest opening presents one at a time. It felt like torture when I was younger but I have begun to appreciate it the older I get. My paternal grandmother and great grandmother were amazing cooks. They would make a variety of special food, including many Greek dishes such as Baklava. Unfortunately all of my grandparents have passed away, but we have tried to continue as many of the traditions that I grew up with. My sisters and I have continued the tradition of preparing many of these dishes. Me with the help of my older niece have been making baklava. I enjoy not only spending this special time with them but it makes me feel close to my grandma. Now we celebrate all of our holidays in town. My mom drives down from her home to spend holidays with us. Ever since my dad passed away 8 years ago we have begun spending some holidays such as Thanksgiving and Easter, with my brother in law’s family close by.

Holidays are such a special time to celebrate and be together as a family. So many wonderful memories have been made throughout my lifetime during the holidays. I remember my dad taking my sisters and I to pick out our pumpkin and Christmas tree. He would carve the face into the pumpkin after we would decide on the face shape. We would all help decorate the Christmas tree, looking at the ornaments and the many memories they represent. I have in my possession some of those ornaments and put them on my own tree. I enjoy passing those fond memories on to my nieces and nephew. I love seeing the light in children’s eyes during the holidays and enjoy participating in yearly traditions. Since my niece was 1 years old, I have taken her to get her picture taken with Santa. It is such as special time and I enjoy seeing the passage of time in the pictures. I look forward to introducing my child to these traditions, so they can be continued to be passed down.

I want to be able to create many fond memories with my child. I want my child to experience all aspects of life, so he/she can discover their passion. I want my child to participate in sports, creative arts, learn about history and travel. I enjoy traveling and have been to several different countries. I like learning the history of the places I visit before going and then walk in the path of the people that have come before me. I want to share that with my child.

I want to raise my child the way my parents raised me. I was taught to use my manners and to respect my elders. I learned right from wrong and was punished when necessary although not severely as we were inherently good children who wanted to please our parents. My parents tried to provide us with every opportunity whether it was an extracurricular activity or a trip. Although I don’t have the same resources as my parents had, I will do everything in my power to make sure my child never wants or needs for anything. My parents valued education and considered that our job. I had small part time jobs such as babysitting and being a camp counselor but they wanted me to focus on my education first. I have the same beliefs though I’m not opposed to my child having a part time job as they get older if they want.

I can’t imagine how hard this decision is and I thank you for your selfless act. I know you want the best for any future children and I promise that I will love the child with all of my heart and include you in any way you are comfortable. I want to have a child more than anything and I hope that you can be part of my journey to become one.