/C O R R E C T I O N -- The Surrogacy Foundation/
MWN-AI** Summary
The Surrogacy Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Atlanta, has announced the significant milestone of the first baby born through its innovative $100,000 Grant Program. On February 24, 2026, baby girl McGill entered the world, fulfilling the dreams of her intended parents, Shannon and Patrick McGill. This moment stands as a testament to the foundation’s dedication to providing access to surrogacy for families who face substantial financial obstacles.
Shannon faced life-threatening complications during a previous childbirth, which necessitated a hysterectomy and left her unable to carry future pregnancies. However, with her viable eggs, surrogacy became a beacon of hope. The McGills received the second grant from The Surrogacy Foundation in October 2024, following a thorough selection process, funded by proceeds from the foundation’s annual Surrogacy Soirée.
Through this initiative, the McGills connected with Charlotte Ramberg, an experienced gestational carrier and a licensed professional counselor specializing in reproductive mental health. Ramberg highlighted the emotional and ethical dimensions of surrogacy, emphasizing the unique journey led by trust and hope.
In total, gestational surrogacy in the U.S. can exceed $150,000, making The Surrogacy Foundation's grants instrumental in easing such burdens. The foundation collaborates with various partners who provide essential services, often at reduced costs, to families navigating these complex journeys.
Zach French, Executive Director of The Surrogacy Foundation, remarked on the significance of this achievement, noting it exemplifies the real-world impact of their commitment to expanding access to family building. Looking ahead, the foundation aims to announce additional grant recipients and surpass $500,000 in financial support to families by the end of March 2026.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The birth of baby girl McGill, facilitated by The Surrogacy Foundation's $100,000 grant program, signifies a pivotal moment in the surrogacy landscape, illustrating the increasing demand for accessible reproductive options. As we analyze the potential market implications of this milestone, it is essential to recognize the comprehensive approach The Surrogacy Foundation employs to mitigate financial barriers associated with gestational surrogacy, which can surpass $150,000 in the U.S.
Investors should note that the foundation’s effective grant program not only catalyzes individual success stories, but also positions The Surrogacy Foundation as a thought leader in the ethical surrogacy arena. As societal norms shift towards increased acceptance of diverse family structures, the demand for surrogacy services is anticipated to grow. The involvement of a broad coalition of partners, as highlighted in the McGill family's journey, underscores the collaborative nature of this sector, promoting sustainability and extended reach.
With the foundation's goal to surpass $500,000 in direct financial support by the end of March's Surrogacy Awareness Month, their influence in cultivating a supportive community for intended parents and gestational carriers will likely enhance their reputation, drawing more participants and stakeholders. This strategic positioning creates potential for future partnerships, increased funding opportunities, and a robust referral network.
Moreover, the narrative-driven approach of sharing stories like the McGills can resonate with wider audiences, fostering both emotional engagement and community support. Investors seeking to capitalize on surrogacy market trends should attentively monitor The Surrogacy Foundation's progression, as their initiatives may set a benchmark for similar organizations and reshape the surrogacy model in the coming years.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
In the news release, The Surrogacy Foundation Celebrates First Baby Born Through Its $100,000 Grant Program, issued March 4, 2026 by The Surrogacy Foundation over PR Newswire, we are advised by a representative of the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end:
The Surrogacy Foundation Celebrates First Baby Born Through Its $100,000 Grant Program
Baby girl McGill marks a historic milestone for Atlanta nonprofit expanding access to surrogacy
ATLANTA, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Surrogacy Foundation, an Atlanta nonprofit expanding access to surrogacy, announced today the birth of the first baby born through its grant program.
Baby girl McGill was born on February 24, 2026, to Shannon and Patrick McGill of Canton, Georgia, the intended parents, marking a defining milestone for the organization and a moment the family once feared might not be possible.
In May 2022, Shannon McGill experienced life-threatening complications during the birth of her son. After an emergency cesarean section and severe hemorrhage, doctors performed a hysterectomy to save her life. She later learned that while she could no longer carry a pregnancy, her viable eggs meant surrogacy could still allow them to grow their family.
"After everything we endured, we knew our story wasn't over," said Shannon McGill. "Being told I needed a hysterectomy was devastating, but hearing that surrogacy was still possible gave us hope. The truth is, we could only move forward because of The Surrogacy Foundation's grant. Without their support, it likely would have been years before we held our baby girl. Now that she's here, it's hard to imagine having to wait any longer."
The McGills were awarded The Surrogacy Foundation's second $100,000 grant in October 2024 following a rigorous, multi-stage application and review process. The funding was made possible through proceeds raised at the Foundation's annual Surrogacy Soirée in February 2024.
At the following year's Soirée, Shannon and Patrick met Charlotte Ramberg of Cumming, Georgia, an experienced gestational carrier. Ramberg is also a licensed professional counselor specializing in maternal and reproductive mental health, reflecting her long-standing commitment to supporting families. She was supported throughout her journeys by her husband, Kevin Ramberg.
What followed was a journey marked by medical and psychological screenings, legal coordination, embryo transfer, months of waiting, and ultimately hearing their daughter's first heartbeat.
"For me, surrogacy is an act of trust, hope, and responsibility," said Ramberg. "Every journey is unique, but the goal is the same. It is about helping a family welcome their child into the world. Watching Shannon participate in her daughter's delivery, then seeing her and Patrick hold her for the first time, was unforgettable. Outside of delivering my own children, it is one of the greatest honors of my life."
The birth of baby girl McGill marks the first child born through The Surrogacy Foundation's grant program.
"We talk a lot about access to family building in theory. This is what it looks like in practice," said Zach French, Executive Director of The Surrogacy Foundation. "A family who once heard 'you can't' is now holding their daughter because a community decided to step in."
Gestational surrogacy in the United States can cost well over $150,000, placing it out of reach for many families. Through grants and partnerships, The Surrogacy Foundation works to reduce that barrier while promoting ethical surrogacy practices.
The McGill surrogacy journey was made possible through a network of partners, many of whom provided pro bono or discounted services, including:
- Family Makers Surrogacy — agency support
- Claiborne, Fox, Bradley & Goldman, with Holland Goldman — legal counsel
- Sherriann Hicks Law Firm — legal representation
- Thallo Health — mental health support
- SeedTrust Escrow — escrow management
- International Fertility Insurance — insurance services
- Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine with Dr. Ashley Tiegs — fertility services
- Scarlet Oak Photography — photography
Additional partners included:
- Northside Hospital Forsyth — delivery hospital
- OB-GYN of Atlanta — obstetric care
- Your Birth Helper — doula support
A maternity photo featuring both families and a photo of baby girl McGill are available for media use. Additional images and video assets are available upon request. More behind-the-scenes moments from the journey are available on Instagram at @TheSurrogacyFoundation. For media inquiries, please contact Mariam Shahab, 469-441-8388, 409966@email4pr.com.
This milestone reflects the growing impact of The Surrogacy Foundation's work. By the end of Surrogacy Awareness Month in March 2026, the organization will announce two additional national grant recipients and surpass $500,000 in lifetime direct financial support to families.
About The Surrogacy Foundation
The Surrogacy Foundation is an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to making surrogacy more accessible through financial grants, education, and advocacy. By partnering with medical, legal, and mental health professionals, the Foundation supports intended parents and gestational carriers throughout their journeys. To date, the organization has raised more than $1 million to help families pursue surrogacy and continues to work toward normalizing ethical surrogacy and expanding access to family building.
For more information, visit thesurrogacyfoundation.org.
Correction: An earlier version of this release contained an incorrect spelling of Mariam Shahab and the website URL has been updated. A photo credit has been added to both images.
SOURCE The Surrogacy Foundation
FAQ**
How does The Surrogacy Foundation plan to utilize its partnerships with organizations like Douglas Emmett Inc. (DEI) to expand its reach and financial support for families seeking surrogacy?
In what ways can Douglas Emmett Inc. (DEI) contribute to the education and advocacy efforts of The Surrogacy Foundation to further normalize ethical surrogacy practices in communities?
What strategies will The Surrogacy Foundation implement to ensure long-term sustainability of its grant program as it collaborates with partners like Douglas Emmett Inc. (DEI)?
How does The Surrogacy Foundation measure the impact of its financial support and partnerships, including those with companies like Douglas Emmett Inc. (DEI), on the families it serves?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Douglas Emmett Inc. (NYSE: DEI).
NASDAQ: DEI
DEI Trading
-1.19% G/L:
$9.945 Last:
1,439,304 Volume:
$9.93 Open:
