Mary M. Fusillo is a scholar, mother of twins, and Founder and CEO of 3 Sisters Surrogacy, a full-service, nationwide surrogacy and parenting agency. Mary was first introduced to reproductive endocrinology and infertility when she found it difficult to conceive, eventually growing her family with the help of IVF. A Registered Nurse since 1989, she tells us how this experience led her to seek a new position as a Nursing Manager in the fertility field, eventually starting her own surrogacy agency and two other supporting companies. Mary’s story – and that of 3 Sisters Surrogacy – is so impressive, check out our interview to learn more about the agency’s work, their mission and Mary’s advice to those currently mapping out their journey.

Founder and CEO Mary Fusillo with the 3 Sisters Surrogacy team

1. What inspired you to work in the fertility industry?

I have been a Registered Nurse since 1989 and had worked my way “up” the ladder in Critical Care/Emergency Services to the Director Level. When I encountered fertility challenges of my own, I was fortunate to give birth to boy/girl twins on my very first IVF cycle, and realized I wanted to help others seeking that same joy that parenthood has brought me. I searched for a position in the fertility field and was thrilled to start as the Nursing Manager of a local IVF Center that was just starting their 3rd Party Parenting programs back in 1999. So, this year marks my 22nd year in the field.

2. We’d love to hear your story – can you share some highlights of the journey since opening in 2012?

I have actually been in the Fertility Field since 1999. I started my journey as the manager of an IVF clinic in Houston and then on to an even larger center in the Washington, DC area, followed by several years working in consulting with a large pharmacy benefit manager company in their division devoted to fertility medications. I was the 3rd Party Parenting “guru”! I started my first fertility company, The Donor Solution in 2007, focusing on extraordinary egg donors from across the country, on $27,000 borrowed from my credit cards. I had 50 matches my first year and paid back every penny of those credit card loans. I added 3 Sisters Surrogacy in 2012, as I saw a need to expand to include those services and The Fertility Consultants in 2019. In 2020 I started Family Solutions International as an “umbrella” over all three companies.

Happy new parents!

3. What has been your most rewarding experience personally over your years in this work?

I recently had an experience that crystallized what makes this work so rewarding. I still get a lot of holiday cards from old clients, donors and surrogates which is always so fun! But this holiday season, I received a photo card of a big family, grown-ups and children. Probably 15 people in all and on the back of the card were the names and a short bio of each person. Cute Idea! But what made me choke up with tears was at the bottom of the card, hand-written, was this: Without you, we would have never had the family of our dreams, Thank you!” And that is why I still do it, year after year, match after match.

4. What is your advice for intended parents just beginning to consider surrogacy?

The greatest advice I can give Intended Parents just starting out in surrogacy is that you don’t have to do it all in one 12 months stretch. Get a realistic budget, define your timeline, manage your expectations of being a parent in 12 months and do things step by step. Find the best IVF clinic for your needs, start the IVF process, freeze your embryos. Step back, check your finances and then move on to Phase II, finding your surrogate and that is where WE come in. We are going to work within your budget parameters and your “wish” list of surrogate traits, even if we need to stretch out your timeline.

5. Is there anything else you’d like to share about 3 Sisters Surrogacy?

I started my first company in 2007, as a way to be more accessible and flexible in my career while my twins were starting school. Now more than 14 years later, the business has expanded to include not only egg donors, but surrogates and a consulting arm. My twins are now seniors in college and I still love all the baby photos we receive! Our goal has never changed, to bring Hope, Joy and Trust to the family creation process.

The 3 Sisters Surrogacy team, including Founder Mary Fusillo, COO Julia French and Case Manager Carrie Floyd

That’s wonderful, Mary, thank you for sharing your and 3 Sisters Surrogacy’s story with us; you’re doing so much to help so many intended parents on this unique journey!

Ready to start your search for a surrogacy agency? Learn more about 3 Sisters Surrogacy and many other wonderful options, here.