Becoming a mother has been the greatest dream of my life. After years of hoping, planning, and pursuing fertility treatments, I have realized that my path to motherhood may look different than I once imagined, but it does not make my desire to become a parent any less meaningful. I am pursuing single motherhood by choice because I know, with complete certainty, that I am ready to give a child a life filled with unconditional love, stability, support, and family.

I began my IVF journey in August 2024 at the age of 40. Since then, I have gone through three IVF cycles, three IUI cycles, and three embryo transfers without success. While the process has been emotionally and physically difficult at times, it has strengthened my appreciation for how precious the opportunity to become a parent truly is. It has brought me here with an open heart and immense gratitude for families considering embryo donation.

I cannot fully express how thankful I am to those willing to give someone like me the chance to become a mother. The decision to donate embryos is incredibly selfless, compassionate, and life changing. I understand the weight and meaning behind it, and I would never take that gift for granted.

I am a proud, independent woman who has built a stable and fulfilling life and hopes to share it with a child of my own. My friends and family would describe me as loving, loyal, trustworthy, friendly, funny, determined, ambitious, and generous. I own my own home, my car, and two wonderful dogs: Annie, my 13-year-old mini Goldendoodle, and Callie, my 3-year-old Golden Retriever.

I have worked in property management since graduating from college in 2006. For the past eight years, I have managed income-based housing for seniors and have been promoted twice within my current company. I am fortunate to work for a family-owned company that truly believes in putting family first. My supervisor has been very flexible with my schedule, which has allowed me the freedom to schedule doctor’s appointments whenever I need them. I also have excellent medical benefits that will support maternity leave, short-term disability, and healthcare coverage for my future child. I have worked very hard to create a secure and stable life, one that I am excited to share with a child.

Although I am choosing motherhood independently, I would never be raising a child alone. Family is at the center of my life, and I am surrounded by an incredible support system. I am one of four siblings, with two sisters, P. and C., and one brother, D. We speak multiple times a week, often daily, and are all incredibly close. My parents have been happily married for more than 46 years and are loving, hands-on grandparents to all their grandchildren.

My dad still works and owns his own business, and my mom cares for my nieces and nephews while my siblings work. She cannot wait to do the same for me one day. The grandchildren adore going to “Grandmare’s” house, where there are always crafts, Play-Doh, Legos, coloring, nature walks, naps, and homemade meals waiting for them. Honestly, I’m not sure who enjoys it more — the kids or my mom.

I am “Aunt Nene” to five nieces and two nephews: C. (17), L. (14), O. (8), twins M. and C. (5), M. (3), and M. (1). I can’t put into words what a huge part of my life they are. I attend every soccer game, baseball tournament, musical performance, and ballet recital I can. I love spending time with them on shopping trips, movie dates, ice cream outings, and fun afternoons together. My family spends every birthday, holiday, summer vacation, and Sunday dinner together. Even Taco Tuesday is considered a family event in our house.

Our extended family is just as close-knit. My father is one of nine siblings, and I have 23 first cousins, many of whom now have children of their own. Holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are huge family celebrations. Every summer, we rent neighboring shore houses, with 35–40 family members staying together throughout the week and many more visiting daily. Family has always been my foundation, my support system, and my greatest source of love and inspiration. A child in my family would grow up surrounded by cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles, traditions, laughter, and unconditional love.

I am also incredibly lucky to have the same core group of eight girlfriends since grade school. We have grown up together through graduations, weddings, buying homes, having children, and all of life’s milestones. Some of them have gone through fertility struggles themselves, and every single one has stood beside me throughout my journey. They have listened to me cry, shared resources and advice, and even helped administer injections. They constantly remind me that I am not alone, and they cannot wait to welcome me into the “mom club.” Between my family and my lifelong friends, I truly have an amazing village surrounding me and any future child.

People often say that being an aunt is the best because you get to have all the fun and then give the kids back. And while being an aunt has been one of the greatest joys of my life, I know in my heart that I want more. I want to comfort my child after a bad dream, helping with homework at the kitchen table, cheer from the sidelines, celebrate every milestone, and guide them through life’s challenges. I want to experience every first — first smile, first word, first tooth, first step, first day of school — and watch my child grow into the person they are meant to become.

More than anything, I want a child to know they were deeply wanted, endlessly loved, and intentionally chosen. I want to give them a life filled with laughter, stability, support, traditions, and family. The bond I share with my own parents and family is something I hope to create with a child of my own.

If you are considering donating your embryos, please know that I would approach parenthood with overwhelming gratitude, love, and respect for the incredible gift you are giving. The possibility of becoming a mother through embryo donation is something I would cherish for the rest of my life.