Dream delivery at Medical City Plano came four years after grandmother gave birth through surrogacy
PLANO – After struggling with infertility for years, Kelley McKissack gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Zoey, four years after her first child was born with her own mother serving as her surrogate. Tracey Thompson, Kelley’s mom, was pregnant with and delivered her granddaughter, Kelcey, on January 6, 2016. This labor of love became an instant international story that inspired thousands around the world.
“Back in 2013 and 2014, we went through three miscarriages. My 54-year-old wonderful mother delivered our first little miracle, Kelcey, four and a half years ago,” McKissack says. “We thought that we were done then, we thought that Kelcey was the only little baby we were going to get.”
Nine months ago, with the help of her infertility specialist and obstetrician, Kelley, age 32, achieved her lifelong goal of getting pregnant despite a serious diagnosis with a genetic blood clotting disease and autoimmune disorder. She took daily blood thinning injections to maintain her pregnancy.
“Today, we are happy and celebrating with the McKissack family. Kelley had a successful pregnancy and delivered a healthy 6-pound, 11-ounce baby girl. She was able to carry to full term, which is fantastic considering her background with multiple losses,” says Joseph Leveno, MD, Kelley’s OB/GYN at Medical City Plano. “Kelley was very strict in following the prescribed protocols that led to this great outcome. I am very excited for her and for her family. She did a wonderful job.”
Kelley’s dream delivery came true when she gave birth to her second daughter, Zoey Jane, on September 23, at 2:53pm at Medical City Plano. Mother, baby and big sister are all healthy and thrilled. Grandmother Tracey and big sister, Kelcey, welcomed the baby with a special birthday cake and song shared via FaceTime.
“Giving birth was amazing, getting to feel her kick and move and then her coming out and laying on my belly and moving her legs the same way she did in the belly,” McKissack says. “There is nothing that can explain that feeling. It is the coolest feeling ever.”
Learn how moms and babies are cherished and protected during COVID-19 at Medical City Healthcare hospitals at We Deliver Dreams.
About Medical City Plano
Medical City Plano is the largest hospital in Collin County. It is full-service, 603 bed, acute-care facility with more than 2,000 employees and 1,400 physicians representing more than 70 specialties and subspecialties. Accredited by The Joint Commission, Medical City Plano is Collin County’s only Level I Trauma Center with a Burn and Reconstructive Center, a Comprehensive (Level I) Stroke Center, a Level III NICU and Collin County’s first Chest Pain Accredited hospital. Magnet designated for nursing excellence, Medical City Plano is part of Medical City Healthcare.
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