As Mother’s Day draws near, Tammy Myers reflects on the profound journey that has shaped her experience as a mother. For the 44-year-old from Grand Rapids, the day holds a unique significance, particularly after her advocacy for legislative change regarding surrogacy in Michigan. Myers, along with her husband Jordan, faced formidable challenges on their path to parenthood, navigating both personal health crises and legal hurdles.
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In 2015, Tammy was diagnosed with breast cancer, a harrowing experience that profoundly impacted her family. At the time, their daughter Corryn was just two years old. Following her recovery, the couple realised their desire to expand their family, eventually welcoming twins Eames and Ellison in 2021 through a surrogacy arrangement. However, due to Michigan’s outdated surrogacy laws, Tammy and Jordan were compelled to adopt their own biological children, a process that proved both lengthy and emotionally taxing.
Following their arduous journey to legality, which concluded in December 2022, Myers dedicated herself to driving change in surrogacy legislation. Her efforts were realised with the passing of the Michigan Family Protection Act in early 2024. This new legislation not only legalises and regulates surrogacy but also streamlines parental recognition processes and provides better protections for all parties involved, including parents, surrogates, and children. Stephanie Jones, a spokesperson for the Michigan Fertility Alliance, emphasised the importance of this change, stating that it rectifies long-standing legal ambiguities faced by families using surrogacy.
With these struggles now behind her, Tammy is keen to embrace family life and cherish her hard-earned moments of joy. Her twins are set to graduate from preschool, while her eldest daughter is preparing for the transition to high school. “I’m not ready for it,” Tammy admits, reflecting on how quickly time has passed. She expresses a sense of lost moments with Corryn during her illness and during the challenging period that followed the twins’ birth.
Now that the lengthy legal and advocacy battles are over, Myers finds fulfilment in simple family activities, such as visiting parks and beaches. Observing her children interact brings her immense joy, especially as she watches the strong bond develop between Ellison and Eames. Tammy fondly notes that Corryn, despite needing her own space as a teenager, maintains an affectionate connection with her younger siblings, marking a dynamic family relationship.
Central to Tammy’s journey is the unwavering support of her husband Jordan, a 43-year-old creative manager. She highlights his role as a “hands-on dad” and his encouragement of her personal aspirations. This support has been crucial, not only in the personal realm but also in her commitment to advocacy work. Recently, Tammy attended the National Breast Cancer Coalition Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where she joined other advocates in seeking additional federal funding for breast cancer research as well as lobbying for the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act.
In her advocacy, Myers has aligned with organisations like The Chick Mission, which aims to improve insurance coverage and policies surrounding fertility preservation for cancer patients. She emphasises the varying paths to motherhood, pointing out that many people are unaware of the struggles associated with fertility issues.
As Mother’s Day approaches, Myers looks forward to creating precious memories with her family on the beaches of Lake Michigan. “We cherish those simple moments now,” she says, reflecting on how their experiences have shaped their family life. The struggles she faced have fostered a deeper appreciation for the joy of motherhood, reaffirming her commitment to her family and her ongoing advocacy efforts.
As she prepares for the holiday, Tammy Myers is ready to celebrate not only her motherhood but also the hard-won reforms that have transformed her family’s legal recognition. For her, the essence of Mother’s Day lies in the connections with her children, a testament to the resilience of a family forged through adversity.