I have been an egg donor three times. Obviously, it was not a difficult procedure or process or I wouldn't have taken the time to do it three times! Actually, each time it was a very rewarding experience, and I would have probably done it a couple of more times if the center had let me.

The first time I decided to become an egg donor, I was driving to work and heard it being discussed on a radio talk show. Most of the women calling in had said that it was relatively easy, and that they were very glad they had done it. I will admit, a couple of the callers had put a little fear into me, for they made it sound very drastic, but I decided that I would call and find out for myself about the procedures. And I'm really glad I did.

The first procedure that I did was right before Christmas. I learned that this is a very difficult holiday for parents who are trying to have children, with so much focus on children during the season. I called for information, and after filling out all of the materials enclosed, as well as attaching a recent picture of myself, I received a call a short time later to come in for further testing.

I will admit that the process itself - taking the shots, maintaining a schedule, keeping up with the appointments - can be a little overwhelming at first. But we all feel that way, and should! If you are a chosen donor, you probably have been very healthy your whole life, so walking into a world of medicine can be a little intimidating. I remember the first time I gave myself a shot, the nurse coordinator told me, "Now if you can do that, you can do anything in the world!" and I still feel empowered by that statement! She was right, if I can be so unselfish, so giving, and able to give myself a shot in the thigh on top of it all (which does not hurt - in fact, I now prefer to give myself a shot than someone else) - then you are a pretty neat person!

And the staff was always there to help! Even when it wasn't related to the program… I remember I had gotten a terrible case of the stomach flu right before Thanksgiving, and had called the nurse because I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to keep the medicine down, and she got me a prescription for the nausea and I felt a ton better and could even drive to New Mexico to visit my family. It was great! They really take care of you, and answer any questions you have. Don't be afraid to tell them anything, they are the experts in the field, and they are there to help you.

Well, after taking the medications, I was ready for the procedure itself, and was a little scared because it was a medical procedure. I went in on the morning of my appointment, and the nurses in the operating area took great care of me, explaining everything as we went along. Finally, the anesthesiologist came in, and to be honest with you, the last thing I remembered was her asking me if my pillow needed to be adjusted! I woke up about 2 hours later in recovery and didn't even know what had happened! Wow! I did feel a little tired and thirsty, and I had some minor cramping - but nothing worse than a bad period episode. And they were quick to offer me Tylenol and heating pads, so it was great to get pampered on top of it.

A few minutes later, the coordinator came in to ask me how I was doing and told me the retrieval had been a success and how many eggs they had taken, which I believe was 19. Women are born with thousands of eggs, so a mere 19 is an easy gift to give to someone in need. She gave me a card from the couple that I had been working with and a gift. It was a pleasant surprise. The card was so touching - I hadn't realized what it meant to these people who wanted to be parents so much. For those of us who can have children, I think we forget what it means to those who can't. The letter said that during this season of giving, I had given them the most wonderful gift ever. It made me cry. I knew in my heart that these were special, wonderful people and I was so glad I was able to help them.

I sent back a thank-you card (through the coordinator) and wished them all the best. I told them that my belief was that the egg was just an egg, and what would make that child special and theirs was the love of them both, the body of the mother to nurture the baby, and the environment it grows up in. This child was in all ways theirs, and only theirs and I was glad to help get their family started.

I went on to do the procedure two more times for two other wonderful couples. Each time, the center had things better organized and developed "easier to take" medications. And since I knew what to expect, it was easy for me as well. Each time the couples expressed their heartfelt thanks and it made me feel so good to be able to help. My family and friends know about my donations, and they think it's great. Overall, it was a very positive experience and one that I'm glad that I did.

Denise