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London Quinn McQuaid was born still at 39 weeks, carried with love by a gestational surrogate after her mother endured a 13-year long infertility journey to parenthood. Though her time on earth was brief, her impact is lasting. London Is The Reason behind this space — a symbol of love, longing, and the deep need for support in the wake of unimaginable loss. Everything we do is in her honor.
Our Founders
Kristin and Steve McQuaid created London Is The Reason to honor their daughter London Quinn and to offer others the support they wished they had in their darkest moments. With deep empathy, lived experience, and a shared passion for advocacy, they’ve built a space where grief is met with care, and where love continues to lead the way.
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London's Mom
Kristin McQuaid
After a 13-year fertility journey, Kristin McQuaid became the mother to London Quinn, who was stillborn at 39 weeks via her surrogate. Out of this unimaginable loss came a burning desire to create something meaningful—London Is The Reason was founded to honor her daughter’s memory and provide compassionate support for parents and surrogates navigating infant loss.
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London's Dad
Dr. Steve Dixon
Dr. Steve Dixon, Interventional Cardiologist and D.O., is the father to London Quinn. He is deeply committed to using his medical expertise and resources to support grieving intended parents and surrogate families. In honor of London, his mission is to ensure no one faces such unimaginable loss without care, advocacy, and support.
Our Team
Our team is built from lived experience, compassion, and a shared commitment to holding space for grief in all its forms. From peer volunteers who’ve walked this path firsthand, to creative and operational leads helping us grow, each member brings purpose to this work. As we expand, we’re grateful for every partner, professional, and parent who joins us in honoring the babies we carry, remember, and love.
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Sam McConnell
Brand Content & Social Media Manager | Outreach Support
Sam is an experienced surrogate & marketing specialist with10+ years in social media, brand content, and nonprofit support. She brings care and clarity to every platform she helps shape.
Her passion is personal, grounded in the loss of her brother to childhood cancer. She understands the quiet weight of grief & is committed to creating space where grief is heard, honored, and held.
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Open role
Donor Relations & Event Coordinator | Grant Support
We're seeking a passionate individual to help steward donor relationships, coordinate fundraising events, and support our mission through grant research and development. This role will be instrumental in sustaining and growing our impact through meaningful partnerships and giving opportunities.
Flexible role with part-time paid structure depending on experience & availability
Open role
Program Co-Director & Volunteer Coordinator
We’re looking for a mission-driven leader to help shape and grow our care offerings while supporting our dedicated volunteer team. This role will support program development—including peer support & future scholarship sessions—and coordinate with surrogates, parents, and professionals.
Volunteer role with potential for future stipend or pay as funding allows.
Volunteers & Partners
All of our offerings are made possible by dedicated volunteers and generous partners. Our peer support network is led by gestational carriers and parents who’ve experienced loss firsthand—offering care rooted in empathy and lived experience. We’re expanding our support by building partnerships with trauma-informed professionals. As we grow, we hope to offer new forms of support through group events and scholarship sessions (coming soon). Interested in joining us as a volunteer or partner? Fill out our form below!
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Surrogate Peer Support Volunteer
Katy Cleland
Katy is a three-time gestational surrogate and peer support volunteer who knows firsthand the complexity of grief, resilience, and hope in the surrogacy journey. In 2022, Katy experienced the devastating loss of a surrogate baby after a premature delivery and 19 days in the NICU. The heartbreak and emotional fallout left her feeling isolated and overwhelmed—until she connected with London Is The Reason and found a safe space to grieve, process, and heal. Through compassionate conversations and shared understanding, Katy began to rebuild her confidence and reclaim her sense of purpose. In 2025, she delivered a healthy baby girl for the same intended parents, a full-circle moment marked by love, trust, and renewed hope. Now, Katy volunteers her time to support other surrogates facing loss—offering guidance, empathy, and a reminder that they’re never alone. Her presence is both a comfort and a beacon of strength for those walking a similar path.
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Intended Parent Peer Support Volunteer
Open Role
We’re looking for compassionate, experienced intended parents who have navigated loss—whether through surrogacy, IVF, or pregnancy—to volunteer as peer support guides. In this role, you'll offer emotional support, share your story when helpful, and help others feel seen, heard, and understood. This is a meaningful opportunity to walk alongside someone who may be feeling isolated in their grief. You don’t need to be a counselor—just someone who deeply understands the journey and is ready to hold space for others. If you believe in the power of shared experience and healing through connection, we’d love to hear from you.
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Trauma-Informed Practitioner Partner
Art Therapy Coach
Partner Opportunity–Accepting Collaborations
We welcome art therapy coaches and trauma-informed creative professionals who use art as a healing tool. Join us in offering virtual or in-person workshops, prompts, or custom resources for our grieving families. Your work can help transform pain into expression and offer a new path forward.
Trauma Informed Practitioner Partner
Grief Writing Coach
Partner Opportunity–Accepting Collaborations
Are you a grief writing coach or journaling guide with a trauma-informed lens? We’re looking to collaborate with compassionate professionals who can help our community process loss through storytelling, reflection, and expression. Let’s create safe spaces for words, healing, and reconnection.
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Licensed Therapist Partner
Partner Opportunity–Mental Health Professionals Welcome
We're building a trusted referral network of licensed therapists who specialize in grief, infertility, perinatal loss, and trauma. If you’re interested in supporting our community through therapy, workshops, or virtual support groups, we’d love to connect and explore how we can collaborate.
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Bereavement Doula Partner
Partner Opportunity–Welcoming Birth & Bereavement Doulas
Are you a bereavement doula supporting families through loss, stillbirth, or traumatic births? We’re seeking partners to extend compassionate care, education, and healing practices to our community. Whether virtually or locally, your presence can make an incredible difference during someone’s most tender moments.