NSW Woman's Best Friend Becomes Surrogate to Overcome 18 Rounds of IVF Struggles

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald May 25, 08:45 am

In a remarkable tale of friendship and resilience, Lisa Messenger's arduous eight-year IVF journey has finally led her to the fulfillment of her dream of becoming a mother. The 18 rounds of IVF and over half a million dollars spent in the process tested her perseverance to the limit. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of the journey would have broken many families. However, it was Lisa's best friend, Sarah Megginson, who ultimately offered her the gift of surrogacy, bringing immeasurable joy and hope.

According to ABC News, Lisa and Sarah's friendship, rooted in a shared passion for publishing, began over a decade ago when they first met to discuss a work opportunity. Lisa's love for babies was evident when she insisted Sarah bring her newborn child to the meeting. Over the years, as Lisa's IVF journey continued, Sarah, now a mother of three, made an incredible offer to be her surrogate. Though Lisa initially held onto the hope of carrying her own child, she eventually reached out to Sarah after enduring 16 failed IVF rounds.

The Joy of Success: Lisa's 18th IVF Round Results in a Long-Awaited Pregnancy

According to Mamamia, the journey towards surrogacy was not without challenges. The first attempt resulted in a miscarriage at five weeks. However, the second attempt, which marked Lisa's 18th IVF round, brought the joyous news of a successful pregnancy that has now reached 30 weeks. The long-awaited heartbeat confirmation brought tears of happiness and relief to Lisa and her fiancé, Stevan.

For Sarah, the decision to become a surrogate was not taken lightly. After a serious conversation with her husband, David, the couple committed to this extraordinary act of compassion. Sarah cherished the experience of being pregnant and had previously expressed her desire to help someone in need.

Dr. Drew Moffrey, Lisa's obstetrician, has been by her side throughout the demanding IVF journey. He remarked that Lisa's perseverance and determination were unlike anything he had witnessed in his 20 years of medical practice. The physical and emotional toll of IVF treatments, which involve numerous injections and hormonal fluctuations, is comparable to running multiple marathons.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the financial burden associated with IVF was another hurdle that Lisa and Stevan had to overcome. The couple made sacrifices, including selling their home in Sydney, to finance their relentless pursuit of parenthood. They successfully navigated the financial costs, which were more than half a million dollars, thanks to their unwavering desire.

Anticipation Builds as Lisa's Baby Boy's Due Date Approaches

Lisa and Sarah's decision to share their story publicly aims to raise awareness about infertility struggles and highlight the relatively rare practice of surrogacy in Australia. By doing so, they hope to foster meaningful conversations and provide support for those facing similar challenges. Their openness has created a ripple effect, initiating conversations about the widespread issue of infertility within their social circles.

The upcoming arrival of Lisa and Stevan's baby boy, due in early August, fills their hearts with joy and gratitude. Sarah's selfless act of being a surrogate has forever bonded their families. During the birth, Lisa will have an active role, catching her baby boy as he enters the world. The families plan to maintain a close relationship, with Sarah becoming an "aunt for life."

Dr. Drew, who has witnessed countless births, describes the act of surrogacy and the moment of "handing over a baby" as a "phenomenal" and deeply moving experience. Seeing a family become complete through surrogacy is a source of profound joy for him, reaffirming the power of such a remarkable gift.

As Lisa and Stevan prepare to embrace the new chapter in their lives, their journey serves as a testament to unwavering friendship, resilience, and the immeasurable gift of bringing a child into the world.