In spite of a rainy start, more than 30 people braved the elements for ConceiveAbilities’ first annual Chicago surrogacy picnic last weekend. Armed with umbrellas and good humor, staff, surrogates and their families gathered under the park shelter for cookie decorating and a chance to discuss all different aspects of the surrogacy process.

We were thrilled to welcome several women at the very beginning of the process looking to learn more. “The picnic,” said Amie, “was a relaxed and casual setting, yet I felt comfortable asking all of the serious and important questions. I left with a lot of good information and very excited to start the whole process with ConceiveAbilities!”

Kristina, who is four months pregnant, is a regular at our meet ups. “As is true for any gathering where ConceiveAbilities or other fellow surrogates are at, the picnic could not have been any better,” she said. “There was something for everyone.”

By mid-morning the skies brightened, giving the kids – and several husbands – a chance to venture out from the shelter. Sara, who was there with her husband and their two young sons, said “The kids couldn’t get enough of the playground and cookie decorating…and puddle jumping!” It was also a chance to share her experiences so far – she is four months pregnant with twins! “It was fun to meet family members and potential surrogates,” she said. “And, of course, see the other pregnant ladies!”

Danielle is preparing for an upcoming IVF cycle with her intended parents. “It’s wonderful to know that there is a great support group of friends that know and care about what you’re going through,” she said. “I loved getting to know the families of all the surrogates and seeing old and new faces.”

Indeed, Kristina introduced us to several friends who are interested in the program and was also able to connect for the first time with some of our staff as well. “I thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to get to know a few of the staff members better, especially those that I haven’t had as much contact with.”

“ConceiveAbilities is an amazing ‘surrogate family,’” Sara affirmed. “I couldn’t imagine going through this journey any other way.”

The weather was just another example of how these ladies handle the unexpected with grace and a smile. In an often unpredictable journey, we were once again reminded of the dedication of our surrogates.

Cindy, who is soon to be matched with intended parents, put it best: “It’s amazing that a group of women can come together from all walks of life, different backgrounds, but with the same common goal – to provide a gift to a couple that they have been longing for.” It’s truly what ConceiveAbilities is all about, and we are so fortunate to work with these incredible women who make that mission a reality.

On a sunny afternoon in June, nearly 60 people converged on a Denver-area park for ConceiveAbilities’ second annual surrogacy picnic – and lots of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Thanks to the amazing women – and their equally supportive families – who came out to celebrate with us, the event was an absolute blast.

Paula, who completed her first surrogate experience in October with the birth of a healthy baby boy, said, “Being a surrogate is such an amazing and special thing and it is so refreshing to be able to share it with people who have been through it as well, or are about to go through it.”

While regular meet-ups give the women a chance to visit, the event provided an extra connection. “It was great to get to know the other surrogates better,” explained Rebecca, who is preparing for a cycle with intended parents. “We see each other at monthly meetings but it was nice to be in a casual environment.”

Holly, who was a surrogate for twins born in March, agreed. “My children had a great time, and I enjoyed catching up with other surrogates and meeting their husbands.” One enthusiastic spouse has even volunteered to run a “husband’s group”!

For first-time surrogate Lori, the timing was perfect. “I had given birth about three weeks earlier, and I hadn’t seen any of the ConceiveAbilities folks since then,” she said. “It was great to be able to re-connect with the staff who supported me, as well as with surrogates who were in different stages of the process.”

The picnic was a welcome opportunity for many of the women to see what lies ahead. “It was nice to ask surrogates who were further in the process questions,” noted Rebecca.

”It was refreshing to see some brand new faces and be able to share my now-complete surrogacy experience with them,” said Lori. “I hope I managed to communicate how much of a positive experience this can be, while also helping to minimize any of the normal anxieties ‘newbies’ tend to feel.”

Amanda, who is in the early stages of the process, felt the support. “By the time I left I had all my questions and more answered,” she said. “Everyone was so warm and friendly. It made me really excited to work with an agency that cares so much about making this an amazing experience for everyone involved.”

And one of the most moving reactions from the day came from Paula. “The picnic actually convinced me that I want to be a surrogate again!”

The sense of community amongst the surrogates and their families is truly what sets ConceiveAbillities apart, and we are so grateful to each one of them for embarking on this journey. We look forward to connecting with more of you at this weekend’s Chicago picnic – you can learn more and RSVP by visiting the ConceiveAbilities website at http://www.conceiveabilities.com/