A father-of-three has revealed how he has spent more than $360,000 to become a single dad-of-three after enduring years of rejection.
Nathan Chan, from Alberta, Canada, used egg donation and surrogates to fulfil his dream of having a family – doing it all on his own.
The 39-year-old now has two daughters and one son after spending more than a decade battling adoption rejections, failed embryo transfers and miscarriages.
He hopes that by sharing his story, more men will dare to become single dads.
Nathan Chan, from Alberta, Canada, used egg donation and surrogates to fulfil his dream of having a family – doing it all on his own
The 39 year-old now has two daughters and one son after spending more than a decade battling adoption rejections, failed embryo transfers and miscarriages
‘Having children is the best decision I ever made. I’m a very proud single dad by choice,’ Nathan shared.
‘For years I focused on travel and work, waiting for the «right person» to come into my life so we could be parents together, but I knew I wanted to be a father more than anything.
‘After six surrogates and three egg donors, and 10 embryo transfers, my first daughter Nanette was born via my sixth gestational surrogate.
‘My two other children were born in the same year to different surrogates.’
He added: ‘People come over to me and tell me I am crazy but I always take the opportunity to educate people.
‘People will come up to me and say, «Oh is it dad’s weekend to babysit» or «wow you have your hands full today,» and that is honestly so offensive to any father in a relationship or not.
‘We are not babysitters. Sometimes people will say I’m so «brave» to do this by myself, but I am perfectly capable, as a single-male-parent, to be able to love and raise kids.
‘I have no regrets – to me, becoming a father is priceless.’
Nathan now hopes that by sharing his story more men will dare to become single dads
Nathan first decided that he wanted to become a dad in 2010 but he was met with fierce negativity from those around him
Nathan first decided that he wanted to become a dad in 2010 but he was met with fierce negativity from those around him and faced rejection from both adoption and foster agencies.
Becoming a dad also came with a massive financial price tag, costing more than $361,000 for fertility treatments and expenses.
Nanette is his eldest at six years old, daughter Neptune Nina will be three in August and son Newton turned three in May.
The children were conceived via three different surrogates.
With just three months between the birth of his son and youngest daughter, Nathan explains that he was so lucky to have the help of two tandem surrogates, and his children are often mistaken for twins.
He shared: ‘I certainly had my hands full with two newborns, and a toddler, and I sometimes wonder how we ever got out the house.
‘Being a single dad by choice to three little ones is not for the faint of heart but I wouldn’t change it for the world. We are complete as a family.
‘I have taken quite a few adventures around the world with the kids so far. I went to Alaska, Disneyworld, Columbia and Mexico with all three of them.
‘We have also been to Paris, Seattle, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland too.’
Nanette is his eldest at six years old, daughter Neptune Nina will be three in August and son Newton turned three in May
Becoming a dad also came with a massive financial price tag, costing more than $361,000 for fertility treatments and expenses
He continued: ‘I’ve had to become more organized than ever but I couldn’t imagine not doing these things with my little family that I strived so hard to create.
‘I love experiencing all my favorite places with them.’
Nathan is also the founder and managing director of Proud Fertility – a surrogacy and egg donation consultancy in Canada.
He shared: ‘It is so rewarding to work with and help to grow other families.
‘I hope that by sharing my story, I will inspire other single men who want to become fathers, to explore all their options.’
When asked about his dating life, Nathan says there is no one special in his life, except for his kids, but he is open to the possibility of meeting someone.
He said: ‘I am still very single but I would welcome someone into our lives, if they fit our very unique puzzle.
‘My children are always my priority but never say never.
‘I have a full house and a full heart and I am completely outnumbered but I am beyond blessed.’
When asked about his dating life, Nathan says there is no one special in his life, except for his kids, but he is open to the possibility of meeting someone
Ready to celebrate his seventh Father’s Day this weekend, Nathan added: ‘It has taken more than a decade to complete my family but when I look at my children I know it was all worth it.
‘Being a father is a dream come true for me and every Father’s day I contact all my surrogates to thank them.
‘My children are here because of their generosity and love and I have so much gratitude to the women who have helped me.
‘Being a dad-of-three is everything to me.’
