Known on the court for assists as a former Arizona State University women’s basketball player, Jill Noe is assisting in a whole new way.
She offered to be a surrogate for her twin sister, and now a new generation of twins is in the family.
“It's the best gift that I could ever ask for,” says Whitney Bliesner, who is Noe’s sister.
A rare genetic disorder called ‘Neurofibromatosis 2’ presented complications for conceiving on Bliesner's own. The disorder can lead to benign tumors that grow in the nervous system and be passed along to children.
Bliesner was left with the options of adoption or surrogacy to have children still.
That’s where her twin sister, Jill Noe, comes into the picture.
“We were talking about it during our annual stocking stuffer night, and she just blurted it out that she'd do it,” says Bliesner.
A little more than nine months later, little Rhett and Renley entered the world.
Whitney says she started a book, and will gradually tell her kids about how they entered this world and the importance of Jill.
She also has a message for all those looking to become parents.
“It’s not blood. It's about taking care of your babies and giving them love, support, and security,” Bliesner said.
Bliesner says her husband has helped a lot too.
He’s getting used to the daily diaper duty and taking shifts with the babies so she can sleep.
Bliesner tells ABC15 both babies are doing well.
