Episode 76: - Creating Ohana Through Surrogacy - Ashley Mareko

Born and raised on the big island of Hawaii, Ashley Mareko knows the value of “ohana” (family), whether by blood or friendship. This strong tradition has been a guiding principle to Ashley as a 3-time(!) surrogate and through a career providing support to the surrogate community and intended parents. She feels blessed to be doing what she loves making a difference in people’s lives. Listen to Ashley as she discusses with Ellen and Jenn: • Her background and famous relative. • How she got involved in surrogacy. • Her first surrogacy journey experience. • Finding a new agency to try again. • The difficulties she faced because of her termination beliefs. • Discovering the Intended Parents became pregnant on their own! • Carrying her experience into her job now. • Her advice on mourning and the worst-case scenarios involved in surrogacy. • Advise to future surrogates and intended parents. • What to look for in an agency. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903. Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/ Learn more about Ashley’s Employer, SurrogateFirst: https://surrogatefirst.com/