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Brandy & Ryan (RJ)
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<h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-large">OUR STORY</h2> </div>
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<div class="bb-theme-elementor-wrap bb-elementor-custom-family bb-elementor-custom-size bb-elementor-custom-line-height"> <p>We were <strong>both</strong> lucky enough to grow up on farms. Brought together by a <strong>mutual love</strong> for animals and agriculture, we have been practically inseperable since meeting. <strong>The farm we call home was purchased in 1937 by RJ’s grandfather</strong>. A military man who was captured on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and spent his days as POW dreaming of returning to his farm. <strong>RJ & I were wed in 2017</strong>. The fall of 2019 brought cancer diagnoses for both of RJ’s parents-whom we cared for during their treatments. RJ’s dad passed in 2021; we lost his mother in May 2024. <strong>We farm 600 acres</strong> in SW Washington and run a small business with a dozen employees. While this path is not what we initially envisioned, we feel confident this is the right time to begin our family.</p> </div> </div>
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<h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-large">Our Farm</h2> </div>
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<h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-large">Our Interests</h2> </div>
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<div class="bb-theme-elementor-wrap bb-elementor-custom-color bb-elementor-custom-family bb-elementor-custom-size"> <p>Our livelihoods are <strong>rooted in</strong> agriculture and built upon the land. We raise beef cattle, make our own hay and have a small garden. Brandy is an <strong>avid horseback rider</strong>, and music lover. RJ is the <strong>Assistant Chief of the local volunteer Fire Department</strong>. Together, we’re involved with our county Farm Bureau where RJ is the County Board Vice President as well as a State Policy Board member. We enjoy <strong>traveling, hiking and exploring new places</strong> throughout the Pacific Northwest.</p> </div> </div>
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<h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-large">What led us to Surrogacy</h2> </div>
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<div class="bb-theme-elementor-wrap bb-elementor-custom-family bb-elementor-custom-size bb-elementor-custom-line-height"> <p>As a teen I , Brandy, was <strong>diagnosed with a genetic mutation</strong> that prevents me from carrying a pregnancy to term. RJ and I knew when we decided to start building a life together that kids were certainly a part of the picture. <strong>Surrogacy offers hope</strong> that we may be able to experience the gift of parenthood despite the challenges of being unable to carry. <strong>We hope this journey will lead us to a lifelong relationship with someone willing to help our dream become reality.</strong></p> </div> </div>
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<h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-large">Our Hopes & Dreams for Our Future Child</h2> </div>
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<div class="bb-theme-elementor-wrap bb-elementor-custom-family bb-elementor-custom-size bb-elementor-custom-line-height"> <p>We can’t imagine a better childhood than growing up under <strong>open skies, splashing in puddles, fishing in the farm ponds</strong>, and <strong>dog days at the county fair</strong>. We hope to cultivate a safe and nurturing environment where our future children feel confident, independent and capable to pursue their dreams.</p> </div> </div>
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<h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-large">What are some special traditions you hope to pass down to your future child</h2> </div>
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<div class="bb-theme-elementor-wrap bb-elementor-custom-color bb-elementor-custom-family bb-elementor-custom-size"> <p>Birthday pies, homemade ice cream and fresh pressed cider from our own apple trees are just a few of the <strong>simple pleasures that are our family traditions</strong>. We believe kids should explore and understand their world. Farm life offers endless opportunities to try new things, make a variety of friends and encourages confidence.</p> </div> </div>
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<h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-large">Extra Information</h2> </div>
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<div class="bb-theme-elementor-wrap bb-elementor-custom-color bb-elementor-custom-family bb-elementor-custom-size"> <ul><li><h4><strong>Names</strong>: Ryan (RJ) & Brandy</h4></li><li><h4><strong>Location:</strong> Onalaska, WA</h4></li><li><h4><strong>Number of embryos: </strong>4 PGS Tested</h4></li><li><h4><strong>Agency/Management Team: </strong>The Biggest Ask</h4></li><li><h4><strong>Fertility Clinic: </strong>ORM- Portland </h4></li><li><h4><strong>Surrogate Compensation: </strong>Medium/High</h4></li></ul> </div> </div>
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<h3 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">The Biggest Ask SaysThe American Society for Reproductive Medicine provides the following recommendations for evaluation of gestational carriers (i.e., many fertility clinics will require the following for their gestational carriers):
- Carried at least 1 child without complications
- Fewer than 3 deliveries via c-section
- Be within the ages of 21 and 45
- Body mass index in between 19 and 32
- No smoking, abusing drugs, alcohol or prescription medications
- Not receiving welfare, public housing or cash assistance from the government
- Has a stable home life with emotional and child care support
- No mental health conditions requiring the use of medications within the last 6 months (including depression)
- No criminal record
Watch the following video to review the Medical and Psychological Clearance procedures that surrogates must complete.
No one likes to talk about surrogate compensation, but it is an important factor in any surrogacy agreement. The following is how we classify high, medium and low compensation (excluding the value of any benefits). Many factors affect surrogate compensation including surrogate experience (e.g., has the woman been a surrogate before?), whether the surrogate is signed up with an agency and surrogate preferences.
- Low = surrogate compensation less than $30,000
- Medium = surrogate compensation between $30,000 and $45,000
- High = surrogate compensation greater than $45,000
You can learn more about how much surrogates get paid in our surrogacy guide’s module: “How much does surrogacy cost?”.
Could you be their surrogate?
If you're interested in learning more about John & Laura, send us an email at hello@thebiggestask.com - subject line "John & Laura".
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