Surrogate Sister's Routine Blood Test Uncovers Twin Brother's Cancer
An unexpected medical discovery during a surrogacy arrangement led to the early detection of colon cancer in one of the prospective fathers.
A family's journey to welcome a new baby girl, Gali, took a life-saving turn when a routine blood test for her surrogate mother revealed a critical health issue for one of her fathers.
Ellie Freeman, a mother of three, agreed to act as a surrogate for her identical twin brother, Adam Braitberg, and his husband, Omer Kuchman. Another sister, Jess, donated the egg, while Adam provided the sperm. This complex arrangement aimed to create a child genetically linked to all four adults.
During the pre-surrogacy medical evaluations, Ellie's husband, gastroenterologist Elliot Freeman, noted her unusually low iron levels. This prompted further investigation, including a colonoscopy for Ellie, which revealed 21 polyps that required removal.
Because genetic conditions can run in families, Ellie's siblings were advised to undergo similar screenings. Adam Braitberg's subsequent procedure uncovered a significant finding: a 10-centimeter mass, later diagnosed as colon cancer. The discovery came just one day before Ellie was scheduled for her first embryo implantation.
The surrogacy process was immediately halted. Adam traveled to Jerusalem for surgery and subsequent treatment, ultimately achieving remission. Approximately one month after Adam was cleared, Ellie became pregnant.
Ellie prepared her three children for the pregnancy by explaining that the baby would be a cousin, helping Adam and Omer build their family. Nine months later, Gali was born and welcomed by Adam and Omer, who cut her umbilical cord.
“She’s a beautiful symbol of what family is and what family could be,” Adam Braitberg said. He plans to tell Gali about her unique conception, emphasizing the love and desire of her two aunts who helped make her existence possible.