My Surrogate Agency and Legal Issues...

Okay, I don't know how clear I ever made this or if I ever shared about how horrible my surrogate agency was, but this proves it all!!  In a time of vulnerability and emotional instability from being pregnant with the triplets, I could not handle the serious issues I was having with Miracles Egg Donation and Surrogacy like I really should have and I really believed all the lies and crap that the owner, Allison Layton, fed me day after day.  I came across this article today (which was dated in July 2011) and I cannot believe how many people she has screwed over!!  Well, yes, I guess I can believe it because if me and my IP's weren't as demanding as we were (IP being an attorney too), I know we would have totally been robbed like so many people.  Here is the short article with comments from poor egg donors and IP's:

http://www.eggdonor.com/blog/2011/07/27/allegations-misconduct-leveled-miracles-egg-donation-surrogacy/

Throughout the time I worked with this agency (about 18 months), I experienced unnecessary stress and anxiety about compensation that was owed to me month after month.  She began taking a portion of my compensation away each month, claiming that that was what my contract stated (confusing issue), but I would not let her get away with this.  I contacted the lawyer and Allison was in the wrong.  When I confronted her with proof that I was owed the money, she acted like I was being a selfish bi*ch and from there more problems came about.  Month after month I was dealing with her by myself and was so uncomfortable to get my IP's involved; talking about my compensation wasn't an easy thing to do with them.  But, after I delivered and was owed thousands and thousands of dollars, I had to call my IP's.  They were outraged because apparently they were getting their trust fund statements each month showing when and how much I was being paid, so they never thought there was an issue.  WELL, I wasn't getting paid according to the statement Miracles mailed to them and stuff was not adding up.  My IP's demanded that I get paid and demanded that they close their trust fund and get their money back.  My IP's and I would then deal with that remaining compensations privately.  Of course my IP's didn't get this money back and it took a long fight.  I am not sure how that all ended. 

After more investigation, I guess Allison has ran away from her business in Glendora, CA and now lives in Idaho.  Some people even stated that she has left some of her children behind with her ex husband.  Her business is no longer running and many people have complained to the BBB and some even got the FBI involved.  She is facing some serious allegations and I hope she pays for it.  No one deserves any of what she has done.  For someone who was so welcoming and supportive in the beginning, I cannot believe it all ended like this.  I just hope agencies like this are held responsible and nobody has to go through an experience like this.  You go into surrogacy feeling secure because you have an agency and lawyers involved, but sometimes things are out of your control.  In the end, a contract means nothing.

***I want to thank you all for posting and sharing some of your thoughts and stories.  I am trying my best to speak up and defend all of those that have been hurt and effected by Allison Layton in some form or another.  I know that it is difficult to post your identity publicly on this issue, but if you really feel like your voice needs to be heard, please reach out to me through email.  I have contact info for the agent involved in this case and I really would love to get as many cases against Allison as I can, so that she can pay for what she has done.  Here is where I can be reached: mrscbutcher@gmail.com.

Thanks so much,
Ashley

Max is Good, New Blog...

Wow!!  My little guy is fine!!!  That was the worst 4 days of my life to say the least.  After almost a week in the hospital and round the clock testing, my little Maxwell showed no signs of abnormal brain activity and he is just perfect!!  I hate the fact that 4 different doctors gave me the scare of my life, assuming that he was experiencing some sort of seizures, but glad they took every precaution to rule that out.  God was really watching over us last week and I feel so blessed for the outcome.  We are not sure why Max is experiencing ongoing eye rolling/fluttering that look like seizure activity, but I don't need to worry excessively because his brain is perfect.  It may be something as simple as a muscle or moisture issue in his eyes and we will determine that with more doctor visits to come.  He was quite a trooper throughout the visit, even through the 24 hour EEG where he had to remain as still as possible. Not easy for a 3 year old.

Had to be sedated to get all those wires glued to his head =(

Couldn't move much because he had wires coming from the back that connected to that blue box.

With Aunt Kellie... he LOVED visitors!

On a different note, I have started a fun new blog, The Butcher, The Baker, The Project Undertakers. Click there or here.  After my surrogacy journey, I really wanted to do all those things I said I always wanted to do.  I learned to not put stuff aside and follow through with things that I set out to accomplish.  And after having triplets, I felt like I could accomplish the world!!  Yes, I felt a little like Super Woman =). After purchasing our first home, I had a million things running through my head on how I wanted my creativity and personal touch to shine through in our new home.  Yes, many people are surprised at how handy I can be!!  So, feel free to follow that one as well and hopefully I will impress some of you readers =).

On a BIG positive note, the baby making has continued and I just feel so good about this cycle.  I can't wait to share great news with all of you.  Keeping my fingers crossed, but legs open! Hahahahah! Sorry, had to!!