In the rural town of Duck River, Tennessee, Ashley and Spencer Totty have long dreamed of expanding their family beyond the cows they raise on their farm. Married since October 2014, the couple faced years of heartbreak, struggling with unexplained infertility and enduring the loss of five pregnancies. Despite their unwavering hope, even in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments couldn’t fulfill their dream of becoming parents.
But just when they were beginning to lose hope, a message arrived that would change everything. Spencer described it as “completely out of the blue,” but to Ashley, it felt like divine intervention. The message came from a former student, 27-year-old Hannah Dearman, who had heard of the couple’s struggles.
“I’ve prayed for you often,” the heartfelt note from Dearman read. “If you ever need a surrogate, I’d love to help you become a mom.”
Ashley, who had faced years of emotional pain and uncertainty, was initially taken aback. But she quickly replied, “At this point, nothing is crazy to me.”
Dearman, a mother of three, recalled the loving, caring nature of her former teacher and offered her help, even though they hadn’t been in touch since graduation. “She was so loving and kind,” Dearman remembered. “I wanted to help her fulfill this dream.”
With incredible selflessness, Dearman offered to carry the Tottys’ child free of charge. In July 2024, she gave birth to Sophie Leigh Totty, a happy and healthy baby who has brought endless joy to her new family.
Spencer and Ashley now see Sophie as a living testament to the kindness of strangers and the power of miracles. “It reassures me that there’s a tremendous amount of positivity in the world,” Spencer said.
Ashley, who describes Dearman as “an angel on earth,” is forever grateful for the gift of motherhood and the extraordinary woman who made it possible.
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