Another Woman Carried My Baby. I Never Expected What Happened Next

Sarrah Strimel Bentley dreamed of becoming a mother for her entire life, but her breast cancer diagnosis took away that possibility. Her husband James and she went through two rounds of IVF to freeze one embryo, which they named their son Chance. After the harsh reality of not being able to carry the embryo themselves, Sarrah realized she had two choices: focus on what cancer had taken from her or embrace the unexpected path towards motherhood.

Sarrah met Whitney, a surrogate, who she instantly felt a strong connection with. Despite the distance between them during the pregnancy, they grew closer and became more like family. Chance, now two and a half years old, has Whitney as an essential part of his story. His middle name is Whit, and he calls Whitney his auntie. Sarrah and Whitney make time to be together twice a year, and their families often refer to each other as cousins.

Sarrah has become a women's health advocate and keynote speaker, and she uses her experience to help other women facing similar challenges. She credits the unexpected path to motherhood with bringing her a second family, a sister, and an extended family member. The gifts she has received, including Chance and Whitney's family, she looks forward to spending the rest of her life being grateful for.