Born 13 Weeks Early - Twin High Risk Surrogacy Story

*This page will be updated as we monitor the twins progress as these babies are at risk of being VERY premature and they are taking it day by day.

Hey, world.

Some may know (and some may not) that the Quezada fam (Lauren, Josue and Alma, 5 years old) and their beautiful, unicorn surrogate, Sherry, have been preparing to welcome twins (TWINS!) this May after years of traumatic medical interventions, adoption pursuits and numerous failed embryo transfers.

On February 7 - Baby A's sac broke (water breaking - Baby B's remains intact) and Sherry was transported to Victoria Hospital after just cresting 27 weeks. Lauren and Josue found themselves in a terrifying position of not being able to get to Sherry and the babies amidst these scary unknowns due to travel limitations between Mainland and Island. The following day they were able to get on a ferry (leaving Alma with family while they find their footing) and get to the hospital.

Currently: These babies are at risk of being very premature and there are significant risks involved with that. Sherry is not in labour. Antibiotics and steroids are being administered to protect Sherry from infection and to accelerate baby's lung maturation. Babies are active with strong heartbeats. The twins are not requiring delivery at this moment. Delivery logistics have reviewed by a neonatologist and the plan is to take things (literally) minute by minute.

Looking forward: This is a HUGE pivot for the Quezada family. Due to the inconsistency of transport to the Island, the overall risk variables and Sherry's track record for quick labour/delivery - they will need to relocate to the Island for the foreseeable future (doctor's have advised to prepare to be in the hospital until mid May). This means taking leave from their employment, temporally rehoming animals, finding, securing and financing accommodations close to the hospital, uprooting Alma, organizing off-island support to come and help, managing meals, hospital parking, supporting Sherry, her partner (compensating them for both of their wages while they take this time off) and three children as they navigate this unexpected scenario and ALL the other emotional, mental and physical toll this journey will bring.

To know this family is to love this family. To witness all they have and continue to endure/survive (you can read more about their story below) is to want to cover them in stability and safety and give them the world without asking anything of them. Through it all - they show up for their people, navigate their challenges with strength no one should have to access and continue to put one foot in front of the other.

If you or anyone you know (share, baby, share) is in a position to lessen the financial and overall burden this fam is facing - thank you so much for supporting them in this way.

Much love,

Logan (sister to Lauren, sister-in-law to Josue, Auntie to Alma-Girl and Sherry's biggest fan)

This fam's journey so far:

2019 - Yay! Baby Alma was born. Oh no, Lauren's aorta dissected. Emergency heart surgery required, etc. Lauren and Josue were told Lauren should not carry another pregnancy for fear of DEATH. Yes. Death. Lauren and Josue trying to process this and reframe expectations for family planning.

2020/2021 - When Alma was four months old, they started an application for domestic infant adoption. 2 years later, no bites.

2022 - They decide to pursue surrogacy. They create embryos and find the most incredible surrogate through a Facebook post. She has the most incredible network of support and a beautiful family of her own (spouse and 3 kids). She had a heart for surrogacy long before they came into the picture and Lauren and Josue are PUMPED (to put it casually).

2023 - Medical screening is done (WOOHOO). Wrapping up legal agreements. Next step is embryo transfer!

2024 - Near the end of the year, after three failed transfers - two final embryos were transferred... PREGNANT. TWINS.

2025 - Baby A's amniotic sac breaks at approximately 27 weeks.