How one decision to become an egg donor led to lifelong friendships, a meaningful career, and the freedom to explore the world.
When I first heard about Global Egg Donors through a friend in 2018, I had no idea how much it would change my life. I'd always dreamed of seeing the world, and egg donation offered me the chance to do something meaningful while exploring new places.

My First Egg Donation: Mexico, 2020

In January 2020, I travelled to Mexico for my first egg donation, helping a couple from the United States. I was excited, but also quite nervous. Everything had been arranged online, and travelling to a foreign country for a medical procedure felt intimidating, especially because my partner couldn't accompany me.
Fortunately, Karen, Global Egg Donors' donor support coordinator, travelled with me. When she needed to leave to support another donor, Robin, the founder of Global Egg Donors, flew down to stay with me. I never felt alone. We all got along so well, and Robin said she’d love for me to join the team someday.
That first donation was a wonderful experience. I arrived in Mexico with all sorts of preconceived ideas about overcrowded cities and safety concerns, only to discover one of the most beautiful countries filled with incredibly kind people. 

Four Donations and One Unforgettable Meeting

I eventually completed four egg donations through Global Egg Donors, including donations to egg banks and directly to intended parents. At first, I wanted to remain completely anonymous. But over time, my feelings changed, and I became interested in having a more open connection with the families I helped. A few years after my first donation, I had the incredible opportunity to meet the American couple I'd helped in Mexico, along with their beautiful baby. They travelled several hours to meet me, and Robin joined us. It was emotional seeing their happiness and meeting the little person I had played a part in helping bring into the world.
But what touched me most was a small book they had created for their child. It told the story of how their family came to be, including my donor profile, the letter they'd written to me, and Global Egg Donors' involvement. 
We still keep in touch through Global Egg Donors, with comfortable boundaries that feel right for everyone.

From Egg Donor to Helping Intended Parents
 
In 2021, Robin offered me a position at Global Egg Donors, and I happily accepted. Having experienced egg donation firsthand gave me a unique perspective when supporting intended parents. People naturally wonder what motivates egg donors, how they feel about the children born from their donations, and whether they might welcome future contact. I could share my personal experience while explaining that every donor has her own feelings and preferences. I particularly loved helping intended parents find the right donor and navigate the many decisions involved. And nothing compared to hearing that a baby had arrived. I'll never forget an intended mother sending me photographs of her newborn on the very day she gave birth, thanking our team and her donor. Moments like that reminded me why this work mattered so much.

More Than Colleagues

What makes this team special is how genuinely everyone cares. We've shared challenges, celebrations, hikes, adventures, and many laughs. These women became much more than colleagues, and I know our friendships will continue. 

Following a New Dream

After five wonderful years supporting intended parents, I've made the difficult decision to step away and pursue my travel dreams full-time. For the past few months, I've been travelling through Africa, continuing to work remotely while exploring this beautiful continent. It's been an incredible experience, but I've realized that balancing work with such an adventurous journey means there's often not enough time to fully experience the places I'm visiting. So I've decided to give myself the freedom to embrace this next chapter, explore more, take the unexpected detours, and enjoy the journey to its fullest. Leaving is bittersweet because I genuinely love the people and the work. I'm grateful that Robin and the team have been so understanding and supportive. I'm not closing the door on Global Egg Donors forever. Who knows what the future might bring? For now, though, it's time for a new adventure.
When I signed up to become an egg donor in 2019, I never imagined where that decision would lead. I've helped families grow, met a beautiful child born from my donation, travelled to extraordinary places, and worked alongside women I deeply admire. To my Global Egg Donors family, thank you for the opportunities, the trust, the friendship, and the adventures. And to every intended parent I've had the privilege of supporting, thank you for allowing me to share a part of your journey.

I joined Global Egg Donors because I wanted to help people and see the world. I never imagined just how much it would give back to me.
With love and gratitude,
Jacoline