A lifetime dream of becoming a dad. A nursery ready. A village waiting. My name is Wesley, and I've wanted to be a father for as long as I can remember. For most of my adult life, I imagined that happening in the way it happens for so many people: meeting someone, building a life together, getting married, and raising a family. When I was 26, I was engaged and genuinely believed I had found the person I would spend my life with. Unfortunately, that relationship didn't work out. I also spent some time helping her raise her son, and experiencing that bond made me realize even more how much I wanted a child of my own. Life took a different direction than I expected, but one thing never changed: I never stopped wanting to be a dad. Why becoming a father means so much to me: My father passed away when I was just four and a half years old. I grew up knowing what it meant to miss that relationship, and I always hoped I would have the opportunity to create that special bond with a child of my own. I was incredibly fortunate to have a mother who was not only an amazing parent but ultimately became my best friend. She passed away in 2024 after living with ALS. I miss her every day. She always dreamed of being a grandmother. Although she won't be here physically to experience it, I would love nothing more than to pass along the love, compassion, and values she gave me. I want to teach my child about her, share her stories, and make sure a part of her lives on through the next generation. Finding my path to fatherhood: I've spent years trying to find a way to make this dream happen. I've researched possibilities, consulted professionals, explored my options, and worked hard to find a legitimate and financially responsible path to becoming a parent. I've come to realize that gestational surrogacy is the path I want to pursue. Through IVF, an egg donor, and the generosity of a gestational carrier, I have the opportunity to become a biological father and bring a child into the world. It's an incredible possibility, but it's also an extraordinarily expensive journey. Between fertility treatment, donor eggs, embryo creation, medical procedures, gestational-carrier arrangements, insurance, and legal services, the financial commitment is far beyond what I can manage independently. Every time I find what seems like a path forward, another financial or practical obstacle appears. But I've continued with the same mindset: There is a way. I just have to find it. I'm now working toward making this journey a reality. I'm exploring fertility benefits, grants, and every legitimate funding opportunity available to help make it financially possible. That's why I'm asking for help. A nursery, a name, and a village already waiting There is a part of this story that makes it especially real for me. I have a nursery in my home. It's decorated with an under-the-sea theme, and it is honestly adorable. My closest group of friends, many of whom have been part of my life for more than 20 years, have been extraordinary. They have supported me through this entire journey. They've thrown me a baby shower, helped prepare the nursery, and promised to be my village when this dream finally becomes a reality. I may be a single father, but I will never be without a support system. My brother Danny, who will be Uncle Danny, is also incredibly excited. He's never particularly wanted children of his own, but he is wonderful with them and cannot wait to be part of this child's life. I've even chosen a name: Winslow Daniel Miles. Winslow will be a gender-neutral name, and Daniel is in honor of both my late father and my brother. There is already so much love waiting. What I dream about: I think about the ordinary things as much as the big milestones. Getting up in the morning and making breakfast. Teaching my child about the world. Planning weekends with friends and family. Watching them discover new things and develop their own personality. I absolutely love decorating for the holidays, and I cannot imagine a better reason to go all out than having a child. Christmas, Easter, Halloween, visits with Santa, Easter Bunny pictures, matching outfits, costumes, family traditions, and all those little moments that become lifelong memories. I imagine playdates, sleepovers, and growing up alongside the children of my closest friends. Most importantly, I imagine teaching my child about family, kindness, compassion, and the values my mother instilled in me. I don't expect parenthood to be perfect. I just want the opportunity to experience it: the wonderful moments, the challenging ones, the milestones, and everything in between. How you can help: The cost of gestational surrogacy is an enormous financial undertaking. Between fertility treatment, donor eggs, embryo creation, gestational-carrier coordination, medical expenses, insurance, and legal services, the costs can quickly become overwhelming. I am working to identify the most affordable and responsible path possible, including exploring fertility benefits and grant opportunities. My fundraising goal is $100,000 to help make this journey financially possible. Every contribution will help. Whether it's $10, $25, $100, or an amount that is meaningful to you, it will bring me one step closer to the possibility of becoming a father. If you're unable to contribute financially, sharing this campaign with others would mean just as much. I know this is a big dream, and I know it's a big financial goal. I'm not expecting anyone to make it happen alone. I'm hoping that, together, a community of people can help make something possible that I simply cannot accomplish by myself. I have spent much of my life imagining what it would be like to be a dad. The nursery is ready. The name has been chosen. The village is waiting. All that's missing is the opportunity to bring Winslow home. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for caring, and for being part of this journey. With gratitude, Wesley