We are honored to share this extraordinary story, told in Amanda Marshall’s own words. Her story shows how one brave decision to donate embryos grew into something far more beautiful than she ever imagined.

Amanda's Open Embryo Donation Story  

When Amanda Marshall and her husband Ryan look at their family today, they see not only their four children — Ryker (9), Rayden (8), Remington (6), and Rylinn (4) — but also the faces of three other little ones born from embryos they donated in 2017. 

“Looking at the photo of our families together, I can't help but think, 'Wow, this is possible because of the choices we made for these embryos.'”

And now, with a fifth baby on the way, Amanda says it feels like life has come full circle.

How Our Journey Led Us to Embryo Donation

The Marshalls first learned about embryo donation during their own IVF journey. After a retrieval and genetic testing, they were left with 14 healthy embryos.

“We knew we would not be able to have that many children,” Amanda recalls. “Our coordinator told us about embryo donation, and once we looked into it, we knew it was the right decision for us.”

Amanda continues, 

“It was about giving these embryos a chance at life, and we knew we could not give that to all of them. We wanted to help other families be able to experience their own pregnancy and birth.”

Starting the Process and Why We Chose a Path of Openness

The process itself was surprisingly simple, handled through paperwork between their clinic, HRC, and Donor Nexus. But emotionally, Amanda says, it was a lot to process.

“It was scary at first, but we knew it was the right decision. This is not something I will ever regret, even if there are hard moments or times, I will never regret giving these families the chance to create or expand, and I will never regret giving these embryos the chance.”

One thing was non-negotiable: their donation had to be open.

“We had read the importance of open relationships for donor-conceived people, and we wanted to make sure we were able to give that to these future children,” Amanda says. ”When we first thought about the type of relationship we hoped for, we just knew we wanted it to form organically, and we wanted it to be focused on the kids' and siblings' relationship.”

At the time, Amanda never imagined just how deep and natural those connections would grow.

Meeting the Families Who Would Carry Our Embryos

Over the years, three families have welcomed children from the Marshalls’ embryos. Each connection began differently, but all have blossomed into something meaningful.

• The Denors were the first. “I remember being so nervous when we first started talking,” Amanda says. “But they were open and communicative throughout the whole pregnancy, and I really felt like they wanted us to be a part of this journey. I think this family was the perfect family for us to start this journey with."
• The second family, who prefer to remain private, also welcomed a little boy and have just recently transferred the last two embryos. “We’ve seen them the most since they live the closest," Amanda shares. 
  
• The Galts were unique because the Marshalls connected with them privately before the official match. “I knew right away they were perfect. That relationship is one of the strongest we’ve built. They now have a little girl from our embryos, Scotland, who looks just like our Remington!”

Reflecting on the First Time We Saw Their Baby Photos

Amanda vividly remembers receiving the first photos of each child.

“I had to take a few days to process all of it, but once again, I knew we had made the right decision and each one is exactly where they are meant to be. It was hard at first — a part of me wishes I could have had all of these children myself — but that wasn’t an option. Giving them a chance to grow and thrive was the best choice we could make.”

Meeting Charlie, the first child born from their embryos, was especially emotional.

“Seeing this little boy who we helped create, and watching him with his mom and dad, made me realize just how special this journey was. I love these children like my own, but I know they are where God meant for them to be all along.”

Letting Relationships Grow Naturally Over Time

Over time, the families have found their own rhythm. 

“All the moms are in a group chat where we share updates and pictures. The dads connect when we’re together, but it’s mostly us moms who keep in touch. At first, I worried about boundaries, but letting the relationships form naturally has worked beautifully.”

Nature, Nurture, and Something In Between

Amanda marvels at the blend of nature and nurture among all the children. While she can't help but compare the similarities between the genetic siblings, she knows deep in her heart that each child is placed in the perfect family. 

“These kids are all so lucky to have such loving and caring parents. As they continue to get older, our hope is that they know just how loved and cherished they are by not only their mom and dad but also by us.”

Amanda continues,

“I think they all have such a unique story to tell, and that in itself will shape them as people.”

How We Explain It to Others

When people ask, Amanda explains it simply:

“They are genetically mine and Ryan’s DNA, but they are not our children. It is so unique, but it is becoming more and more popular, which allows others to know and understand the process more. Most people find our relationship so special and just love to hear about it.”

A Magical Trip to Disney World

This summer, Amanda and two of the families planned a trip to Disney World. One family couldn’t make it, but the group is already planning the next reunion.

“It was surreal,” Amanda says, "The kids were all best friends right away. Having them together, laughing and playing, was surreal... I never thought this journey would turn into this little family, and we are so thankful the parents allow us to be part of their lives.”

The Perfect Ending to Our Story

Earlier this year, Amanda and Ryan still had two embryos in storage that were considered lower quality and never chosen. They decided to transfer one themselves, and to their joy, Amanda is now pregnant with a baby boy due in November!

“I think this pregnancy has brought everything full circle. We knew the chances for this little boy to stick were lower, but it was meant to be, and it was meant to bring this whole journey to a close.”

Reflections and Advice

Looking back, Amanda cannot overemphasize how perfectly it all worked out. Time and again, she comes back to the same belief: each family is exactly as it was meant to be.

“These kids are exactly where God planned for them to be.”

She adds, "Ryan and myself are a part of their story, but we are not their full story. It is truly a gift being able to have this relationship with them and their parents, while also knowing that we helped these families create these special gifts.”

Her advice to others considering embryo donation:

“It is important to voice what you are hoping for in the relationship. It can be challenging at times, but if you are open-minded, it can be a beautiful experience.”

Words for the Children, If They Ever Read This One Day

As Amanda reflects on everything her family's journey has brought, she says there's one message she would want the children connected to their story to carry with them:

“I want these children to know that they were so loved and wanted for so long...

We tried all we could to create our family, and we wanted nothing more than to have every single one of them ourselves.

The decision to donate was not without struggle, love, and a lot of consideration. We wanted to give them the best chance that we could. This decision did not come without loss for us as well, but we knew this was the right decision for us and for them.

We want them to know that we love them and we are so proud of them. They have such a unique story that I hope one day they will understand and be proud of.

Watching them grow up, while even from a distance, has been one of the greatest joys for us, and we are so thankful for their parents allowing us to be a part of their lives.”

Redefining Family

Amanda says this journey has deepened and reshaped her entire view of family and motherhood. For Amanda, it all comes down to one simple truth: 

“The connection they have with their parents and siblings has shown me that DNA does not make a family. Love does.”