From Anonymous to Known

A Conversation with Three-Time Donor Jennifer

At Egg Helpers, every donor journey is unique. Some begin quietly, others evolve over time—and many are shaped by life’s most meaningful moments.

In this Q&A, Leia sits down with Jennifer, a three-time egg donor in our program, to talk about how becoming a mother changed her perspective on donation, connection, and the importance of emotional support.

Can you tell us how your egg donation journey began?

I started donating before I had children of my own. At that time in my life, I was pretty private. I did two anonymous donations, and honestly, that felt right for me then. I wanted to help families, but I didn’t think much about connection or long-term relationships. It was about doing something meaningful, quietly.

What changed after you became a mom?

Everything changed after my daughter was born.

Becoming a mother shifts how you see the world. Suddenly, I was thinking about identity, belonging, and where we come from. I started imagining how I would feel if my daughter were in the position of being donor-conceived.

That’s when I realized I wanted her to have the option—if she ever wanted it—to connect with any children that resulted from my donations. I didn’t want there to be barriers.

So when I donated again, I chose to do a known donation through Egg Helpers.

Why was that decision important to you?

It was about openness and respect.

I wanted to honour not just the families I helped, but also my own child. I didn’t want her growing up with unanswered questions. I wanted her to know that if she ever wanted to explore that part of her story, she could.

It felt more honest. More aligned with who I had become as a person.

How did that lead you back to Egg Helpers later on?

After that known donation, I kept thinking about connection.

I wondered if there was any way to reconnect with the families I had helped before. Not to disrupt their lives—just to know. To understand. To maybe create space for future conversations if everyone felt comfortable.

So I reached out to Egg Helpers and asked if it was even possible.

What did they tell you?

They were very honest. They told me they would reach out to the families on my behalf, but there were no guarantees. Everyone’s journey is different, and they had to respect privacy and timing.

I appreciated that. There was no pressure, no promises—just care and transparency.

And then what happened?

About a month later, I heard back.

One of the families I helped was open to connecting. That was incredibly emotional for me—in the best way. It felt like something had come full circle.

The second family wasn’t ready yet. But it wasn’t a “no.” It was more like, “We need some time.”

And that mattered. It wasn’t rejection. It was honesty.

How did that experience feel emotionally?

It was a lot.

I was excited, hopeful, nervous, and vulnerable all at once. You don’t realize how emotionally invested you are until something like that happens.

I had to sit with uncertainty. With patience. With respect for someone else’s timeline.

It made me realize how complex these relationships really are.

Egg Helpers has since brought on a psychotherapist to support donors and recipients. Why do you think that’s important?

Because stories like mine are becoming more common.

More donors are thinking about connection. More families are thinking about openness. More people are navigating emotions that don’t fit into neat boxes.

This isn’t just medical. It’s human.

Having professional emotional support means no one has to figure it out alone. It means donors and recipients can process their feelings safely, without shame or pressure.

That’s huge.

What did it mean to you that Egg Helpers took that step?

It meant everything.

It told me that Egg Helpers doesn’t just care about outcomes—they care about people. About long-term well-being. About mental health.

They understand that donation doesn’t end at retrieval. It lives on in hearts, families, and relationships.

Looking back, how do you see your journey now?

I see growth.

I see who I was, and who I became.

I don’t regret my anonymous donations—they were right for me then. But I’m proud of how my perspective evolved. I’m proud that I chose openness. I’m proud that I’m thinking about my daughter’s future.

And I’m grateful that Egg Helpers supported me through every stage.

What would you say to donors who are starting their journey now?

Give yourself permission to grow.

You don’t have to have everything figured out. Your feelings may change—and that’s okay. What matters is choosing a program that will walk with you through those changes.

Ask questions. Be honest with yourself. And know that your emotional well-being matters just as much as your generosity.

At Egg Helpers, Your Whole Journey Matters

Jennifer’s story reflects a growing truth in third-party reproduction: connection, identity, and emotional health matter deeply.

As more donors and recipients explore openness and long-term relationships, Egg Helpers remains committed to providing compassionate, professional, and thoughtful support—every step of the way.

Because behind every donation is a person.
Behind every family is a story.
And every story deserves care.