A Journey of Courage and Connection: How Renee Found Purpose Through Becoming a Surrogate

Ohio native Renee Warner never imagined that helping another family could change her life so profoundly — and test her courage in ways she never expected. From cheering at her kids’ events to rehearsing for a local musical, or pouring her artistic talent into photography, pet portraits and murals, she lives fully — but it was the journey of becoming a surrogate that revealed the power of compassion and connection even more.

A Calling Sparked by Compassion

Renee had seen people she loved struggle with infertility and pregnancy loss. One close friend endured years of trying and the early loss of babies. Watching that grief up close changed something in her.

It made her realize how many different ways families are built — and how powerful it is when someone steps in to help.

“I decided my journey was leading me to help another family bring a child into the world,” she says.

Her decision to become a surrogate was about channeling compassion into action — turning empathy into something life-changing.

Finding the Right Surrogacy Agency to Partner With

Renee had no experience with surrogacy and didn’t know anyone who had been a surrogate, so she was navigating the process blindly. After researching online, she decided to choose ConceiveAbilities and had a great experience with the agency. Her journey went very smoothly up front.

“They do a lot of preparation early on to ensure you are ready for the journey, including a mental health evaluation and a review of the support system you have in place.”

Renee was matched quickly, and the legal and medical workups moved forward with no major issues.

Finding the Right Surrogacy Journey Match

Then came something unexpected: she matched with a single father.

Renee had always pictured helping a couple who could not conceive on their own like same-sex couples or couples with fertility issues.

Her match reminded her of something powerful: Families are built in all kinds of ways.

“This showed me another situation in which a man could not bring a baby into the world by himself.”

Her relationship with her intended parent was pretty laid back. He trusted her to do what she needed to do and just asked that they keep him updated. They were even able to meet him in person a couple of times before the birth.

Why Surrogacy Support Is Important

Support during surrogacy is essential. Renee especially appreciated the mandatory support group, which helped her navigate emotional challenges throughout the process — particularly when she discovered she had cancer in her second trimester.

“This experience reinforced how important it is to carefully review your legal contract terms and fully understand their implications — for example, what happens when a medical challenge arises and you have to balance risk between the surrogate and the baby.”

This was a very challenging experience. Her tumor was surgically removed, and high-risk OBs ensured the safety of the baby, and everything worked out okay. She delivered a healthy baby boy at full term.

The Birth Story

Renee’s intended father had already traveled to the area and was able to be in the room as she delivered his baby. He cut the cord and was there right from the beginning. Renee’s husband was also there to support her. The hospital was able to provide the intended dad and the baby with a separate room, which was great.

Renee laughs that it was different from her other deliveries of her own children:

“It was a bit weird delivering a baby and then actually getting to sleep after. It felt funny leaving the hospital and just grabbing some lunch with my husband. I didn’t necessarily grieve the situation, but it was just sort of a strange feeling overall. I was so proud of myself and happy for the father, but also a bit sad that the process was over.”

That feeling eased as she got to see pictures of the baby, especially during the first year, and could see that he was doing okay.

“Since the birth, we’ve texted and even visited a couple of times, which is more than I asked for or expected,” shares Renee, adding, “We also get to see pictures of the kiddo as he grows. He is now 8!”

A Brave and Rewarding Experience

Renee describes surrogacy as an enlightening experience.

“Surrogacy is a brave and rewarding experience. Getting to help another family with something so big is so special,” she says. “It is also not something to take lightly. It is a very emotional journey and having a strong support system to lean on is very important.”

After her journey, Renee and her husband decided they wanted to grow their own family.

“Between the cancer and the delivery, there was a lot to process. At the time, I had only my son, but we still wanted to have a second child. I carried a lot of fear about conceiving another child after my cancer diagnosis. We even considered adoption and were matched with a birth mother, but she changed her mind right before delivery, which brought complicated feelings. It’s strange to grieve the loss of a child that was never yours and is still part of this world. After that, we reconsidered our options and decided to conceive again.”

One year later, they were blessed with their daughter.

Renee continues to embrace her roles as a mom, an artist, a performer — and someone who helped another person become a parent. Her story is a reminder that surrogacy isn’t just about bringing a child into the world. It’s about courage, compassion, and how deeply we show up for one another, and the bonds you create last far beyond the delivery room.

“My surrogacy journey was definitely enlightening. I learned a lot about myself and I learned a lot about the many ways that families are made.”

If you’ve ever felt the pull to help another family, you can experience this same life-changing journey. Renee’s story may have sparked something in you — and that’s worth listening to.