Ivy Surrogacy
Real Stories

From Grief to Joy: A Senior Couple’s Surrogacy Journey to Rebuild Their Family

May 14, 2025
4 min read
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They once had a complete family—one bright, gentle son who meant the world to them. But life took a devastating turn when their son, battling depression, tragically passed away.

Originally from China and now settled in California, this couple had been subject to China’s one-child policy. With no other children and advanced in age, the loss left them not just heartbroken—but completely alone.

Yet amidst unimaginable grief, a quiet but powerful hope grew: they still wanted to be parents again—not to replace, but to continue their love and legacy.


A Promising Start with Egg Donation

Because the mother was no longer able to conceive, doctors recommended IVF using donor eggs and a surrogate. Their egg donor journey went smoothly. The retrieved eggs produced several healthy embryos, each screened and confirmed via PGT-A.

With cautious optimism, they began their search for a surrogate.


A Disheartening First Attempt

At first, they signed on with another surrogacy agency. Unfortunately, that decision led to over a year of ongoing frustration and heartbreak.

The first surrogate they were matched with didn’t pass the medical screening. After a long wait, they were matched again, only to have the second surrogate disappear mid-process.

They waited anxiously for a new match—but none came. The agency had already collected their full agency fee, and the couple suspected this was why there was little urgency to help them rematch.

Finally, they made a difficult decision: to walk away from that agency—knowing they would lose the money they had already paid—in order to find a more reliable, compassionate partner.


Discovering Ivy Surrogacy: A Turning Point

They reached out to Ivy Surrogacy, determined not to repeat past mistakes. Instead of a phone call or a Zoom meeting, they drove in person to our Diamond Bar office.

Their previous experience had left them emotionally drained and deeply cautious. After such a long and painful wait with another agency—where they felt overlooked and unsupported—the couple found it hard to trust again. They were no longer just hopeful parents; they were survivors of disappointment, trying to protect themselves from further harm.

Although our standard policy is already designed to ease pressure—we only collect the agency fee after a surrogate passes both medical and psychological screenings (see Why Ivy Surrogacy Charges Agency Fees Only After Surrogate Pass Medical and Psychological Screenings)—they asked for even more flexibility: to split the agency fee into three installments.

We understood this wasn’t about finances—it was about fear. Fear of being let down again. Fear of investing emotionally and financially into a journey that might not lead anywhere.

So we made an exception. Not out of obligation, but out of compassion. We saw them not just as clients, but as grieving parents seeking a second chance. And we reassured them that if a rematch were ever needed, they would be prioritized with full commitment.


A Real Match, Face to Face

We soon identified a warm and responsible local surrogate for them. But understandably, after what they had been through, they didn’t want to rely on virtual meetings. They requested an in-person match meeting, and because we all lived in Southern California, we gladly arranged it.

That meeting changed everything. The surrogate, the couple, and our team sat together—not just to go over details, but to see each other’s hearts. Trust was built.

From there, everything moved smoothly. The medical screening, embryo transfer, and pregnancy were all successful. In 2022, they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their lives.

They told us, through tears, “This child didn’t just bring us happiness. He gave us a reason to live again.”


Welcoming Their Daughter: Trust Reaffirmed

A year later, they returned to Ivy Surrogacy—this time, not with fear, but with confidence.

They wanted a second child, a daughter. No special requests, no changes to the agreement—just trust. We matched them again quickly with a suitable surrogate. The screening, transfer, and pregnancy went smoothly. Their daughter was born in 2024.

This time, there were no tears of anxiety—only of joy.


Every Family Deserves a Second Chance

At Ivy Surrogacy, we know that every intended parent carries a unique story—some filled with loss, others with hope, and many with both.

This couple’s journey from grief to renewal reminds us that surrogacy is more than a medical process—it’s a path to emotional healing and love.

If you’ve faced heartbreak, if you’re searching for a team that truly cares, we are here for you—ready to walk beside you, every step of the way.

Reach out today to speak with our caring team. Whether you want to explore your options, ask questions, or start your journey, we’re here to listen—with heart, knowledge, and unwavering support.

👉 Contact Us or Start Your Intended Parent Application — your new chapter could begin now.

Encheng Cheng

International Client Director

Encheng Cheng brings over two decades of medical and healthcare experience to his role as International Client Director at Ivy Surrogacy. Trained in c...