A woman who battled cancer and suffered two stillbirths has revealed how she finally welcomed her miracle baby – thanks to her cousin.
Steffi Goodwin has suffered tragedy after tragedy throughout life.
The 30-year-old, who was told she was infertile after being diagnosed with cancer, then had to face the devastating loss of her two children – conceived via IVF – Ayla and Marley, after they were stillborn.
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Losing hope, she and her husband, Jacob, 30, turned to surrogacy as a final chance to make their dreams of having a family come true.
Her cousin, Kelly, 35, stepped up to the task, carrying the couple’s baby to full-term.
“I was completely heartbroken over the idea of never being able to have a child,” the hairdresser, from Bedford, told Need To Know.
“We tried IVF twice.
“Each attempt ended in devastation and our dreams were completely shattered.
“I wasn’t sure how much more I could take.
“Surrogacy was our final option – but these were minimal – until my cousin stepped up and offered.
“I couldn’t believe it, it was like a miracle had been given to us.
“Hearing our little boy’s first cry was the most magical moment of our lives.
“I’ve been through so much in life, that I felt like this was finally my moment to enjoy it.”
Steffi’s nightmare first began when she was aged 10.
She was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia; a form of blood cancer and an inoperable tumour, which started as a persistent cough.
Despite the odds of survival being low, she successfully beat them after undergoing intense chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant from her brother, Royce, 28.
But it left her body’s fertility permanently impacted.
Then Steph’s aforementioned stillbirths left her wondering how many more “cruel” ordeals would be thrown her way.
Thanks to Kelly, she’s been handed a “miracle”.
In August 2021, Steph and Jacob welcomed their son, Theo.
The new mum is now sharing her story to help other women who may be struggling with conceiving.
She added: “It’s been such a surreal journey.
“I’m forever grateful for my family and all they’ve done for me.
“I know some people aren’t as lucky to have a close-knit of people around them, but I think it’s so important not to take anything for granted.
“They’ve stepped up to do the extraordinary for me, the gift of life, twice.
“Neither Theo nor myself would be here today if it wasn’t for them.”
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