Denham Springs Couple, NICU Nurse Share Surrogacy Journey to Inspire Families

DENHAM SPRINGS, La. – Savannah and Mason Kent, like many young couples, met, fell in love, exchanged vows, and envisioned the joy of parenthood. Their journey, however, took unexpected turns, leading them to hope and happiness through the gift of surrogacy.

Married in September 2020, the Kents were thrilled when they conceived just a month after deciding to start a family. Anticipating the arrival of their baby boy in fall 2021, their excitement was shattered when a high-risk ultrasound at 17 weeks revealed devastating news – their baby was terminal. Tragically, baby Reece passed away on June 11, 2021, leaving the couple heartbroken.

Savannah, who underwent a liver transplant a decade ago due to a severe liver condition, knew conceiving might pose challenges. After Reece’s loss, medical advice suggested exploring alternative paths to parenthood. Thus began the Kents’ exploration of gestational surrogacy, a journey that led them to an unexpected source of hope and support.

Olivia Lustig, a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse at Ochsner Baton Rouge, empathized deeply with the Kents’ journey. Having experienced her own struggles with infertility and loss, Olivia felt compelled by faith to offer the gift of surrogacy to the Kents. Despite initial hurdles navigating Louisiana’s surrogacy laws, Olivia’s offer was accepted, and the journey began.

Throughout the pregnancy, the couples forged a close bond, attending church, sharing meals, and accompanying each other to medical appointments. Olivia, determined to ensure Savannah and Mason experienced the pregnancy intimately, offered unwavering support despite the challenges.

“For me, it was worth every moment,” Olivia reflected. “It was the hardest pregnancy I’ve h ad, but having someone equally excited to share it with made it beautiful.”

William, Olivia’s husband, echoed her sentiments, emphasizing how surrogacy strengthened their family bond.

When the long-awaited moment arrived, the Kents rushed to the hospital, greeted by the joyful news of Olivia’s labor. Amidst the excitement and anticipation, Savannah had the honor of assisting in Brooks’ delivery, a moment both she and Mason describe as indescribable and surreal.

The journey didn’t end with Brooks’ birth; the Kents felt compelled to share their story, offering hope to others navigating similar paths. Through a documentary and a children’s book titled “My Blue Butterfly and Me,” they aim to help families process grief and find solace in life’s beauty.

“Never stop looking for the butterflies of this world,” a saying from their book, encapsulates their message of hope and resilience, reminding us that amidst loss, new beginnings await, bringing unexpected beauty and joy.