Whenever I meet someone new they ask the standard question, “What do you do for a living”? I say, “I’m a donor recruiter for an egg bank”. They respond with “Oh okay”, which usually follows with a long pause while they process the information, because needless to say it’s not a job you hear about everyday. Finally, they continue with “So…what is that exactly”? Two and half years ago I would’ve asked the same question, then I was offered a position as donor recruiter at The World Egg Bank. Coming into the company I knew the basics – we find egg donors for recipients who cannot have kids, but after becoming an egg donor recruiter I realize that what The World Egg Bank does is so much more than that…
It didn’t take a long time in my position to gain a personal connection to every aspect of my job. Each woman that calls the office asking for “a little information” about egg donation leads to me going into a 5 minute spiel about eligibility requirements, the application process and an overview of what an egg donation cycle entails. You see most people who call think it’s a quick an easy thing to donate; they don’t realize the first time around it takes 2-3 months to complete the screening, doctor’s appointments and medications until one can have the procedure to donate eggs. Many women become overwhelmed when I tell them this information which is understandable, it’s a lot to take in at once. I then open the door for them to ask any question that could help them in their decision because the most important part of my job is to ensure that each woman knows what’s could potentially be in store. Some of them apply and some of them decide to not to proceed, and that’s okay. Egg donation isn’t for everyone. It requires a lot of honesty, time and commitment. Most of all it requires a true desire to help others and a willingness to give part of yourself to help others in need. It is the ultimate act of selflessness…and it’s beautiful.
When a woman applies to become an egg donor I gain insight into their whole life: their career, their education, their hobbies, their personality, their family history. Each answer I analyze thoroughly, but my favorite part of the application is when I get to read their answer to the question “why do you want to become an egg donor”? It’s while reading their answer to this question that I understand where their heart and intentions lye. Hundreds of women apply every month, but I’ve come to find that ones who follow through with the application process and become active are the ones who have 1) given a lot of thought and research into egg donation and 2) have a strong, genuine desire to change the lives of others. These women answer this question with excitement and love. Some tell me about how their aunt has struggled to have a baby so they want to help others who might be in the same situation. Some tell me they do not want children of their own so they want to share the gift of life with others instead of letting their eggs go to waste. Some tell me that they’ve always dreamed of having a family and they would love to help other’s who have that dream too. Some tell me that although they may not be ready for kids right now, they want to partake in an incredible opportunity to help others while also helping themselves financially.
As a donor recruiter every day I get to see the true power of when humanity and science come together as one to make extraordinary things come to life. It’s an honor to be a part of the process and get to educate the public on what egg donation is and how it changes lives worldwide.
If you’re reading this and you’re thinking that egg donation might be something you’d be interested in, first and foremost I want to say thank you and that you’re incredible for even considering it. Second, I would suggest you to check out our donor page on our website to get a little more information and to apply. Finally, if you ever have any questions or if you just want to talk about the process send me an email – donors@twesb.com or give me a call 602.678.1906.
