Intended parents

Chris Couvavas

Doing their journey in Canada

About them

We’re Chris and Hamza, a Toronto couple who have spent eight years building a loving and supportive life together. Our journey to parenthood began in 2024, and we’re now excited and hopeful to take the next step with the help of an incredible surrogate.

Relationship status

Common law

We met when Chris was 20 and Hamza was 25 and the story is kind of cute! Back in 2018, Chris used to work at the Starbucks at the Eaton Center (the one right by the fountain). Right across was a huge Forever 21 (RIP) where Hamza used to work. During my evening shifts, Hamza would walk across during his break and order his usual - a peach green tea lemonade.

At first our interactions would be just like any other, professional, direct, and quick. Over the months, our interactions became longer, more meaningful, fun. Eventually, Chris was already prepping Hamza's order in advance, but Hamza would still stop by, drink in hand, for a chat. Eventually, one of the conversations ended with a plan to hang the following weekend.

After a week of texting back and forth and a surprise encounter at the CNE with our respective friends, our first official date was September 3rd 2018 at Scaddabush in downtown Toronto. When Chris arrived (on time of course) Hamza was already seated at the table (he loves to be early!). Trying to be as prim and proper as possible, Chris ordered a salad, knowing it was one of the least mess items on the menu. Hamza however, ordered his favourite - pizza. When the pizza arrived, it came with gigantic scissors that did not open easily. It was very awkward, yet funny, to watch Hamza struggle his entire meal trying to cut his pizza with these scissors that were not ideal.

After dinner (yes, the pizza was conquered), we walked around the city and made it all the way to Riverdale park just in time to watch the sunset. The sky was painted in pinks and purples and it was a perfect way to end the day. All these years later we often find ourselves at the park catching more sunsets, hoping they'll never end.

Their journey

Home area

32 Trolley Crescent, Toronto, ON, Canada

Approximate area

Journey country

Canada

Financial preparedness

We’ve put a lot of thought and planning into the financial side of this journey so that everything feels clear, respectful, and well-supported from the start. We have dedicated savings set aside specifically for surrogacy, and we’ve also built a strong financial foundation through ongoing investments to ensure long-term stability.

Our priority is to make sure that our surrogate never feels any financial burden throughout the process. We are fully prepared and committed to reimbursing all pregnancy-related expenses, including medical costs, travel, time off work if needed, and any other agreed-upon expenses. We will also cover all legal fees to ensure that everyone is properly represented and protected.

For us, this is about creating a supportive, transparent, and stress-free experience where our surrogate feels valued, respected, and cared for every step of the way.

Embryos

Yes.

We currently have 3 PGT-A tested embryos frozen at Trio fertility ready to go.

Clinic

TRIO Fertility

What they're looking for

Their hopes and requirements for a surrogate

Requirements

Minimum requirements for a surrogate would be that she be in excellent physical health, must not use tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs, have had a healthy prior pregnancy and delivery (no more than 4), have had less than 2 prior C-sections, be 43 or younger, have a BMI of 35 or less. Her partner must also consent to screening and she must be free of communicable diseases.

Once matched, the surrogate must be screened by TRIO to determine if they are a suitable candidate for treatment. The screening entails blood work, ultrasound, sonohysterogram, a physical, and counselling. If the surrogate has a partner, they are required to participate in some aspects of the screening process too. The potential surrogate must receive medical clearance from the TRIO physician to proceed with treatment.

The relationship we hope to build

We’re looking for someone who is kind, genuine, and caring. Someone who approaches this journey with thoughtfulness and a positive mindset. Open and honest communication is really important to us, so we value someone who is comfortable staying in touch, sharing updates, and building a respectful, trusting relationship throughout the process.

In terms of lifestyle, we appreciate someone who prioritizes their health and well-being, and who is supported by a stable and encouraging environment. Whether that’s a partner, family, or close circle of friends. Having that support system in place is something we see as really important for such a meaningful journey.

Personality-wise, we’re drawn to someone who is warm, responsible, and aligned with values like compassion, integrity, and mutual respect. We also appreciate a good sense of humour! We also want this to feel like a positive and collaborative experience for everyone involved, so having a good sense of understanding and flexibility goes a long way.

Ultimately, we’re hoping to connect with someone who shares similar values and is excited to be part of something truly special, while feeling supported and appreciated every step of the way.

Vaccination information

As health and safety are very important to us throughout this journey, we would feel most comfortable working with a surrogate who has received the standard childhood vaccinations to protect against illnesses like measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough), polio, hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), and meningococcal disease.

We approach this topic with respect and understanding, and we’re always open to having a thoughtful, informed conversation to make sure everyone feels comfortable and aligned.

Views on termination

This is something we approach with a lot of care and respect. First and foremost, the surrogate’s health and safety would always be the top priority. We would never want a situation where her well-being is put at risk.

In the case of serious medical concerns, whether related to the surrogate or the baby, we believe decisions should be made thoughtfully, guided by medical professionals, and grounded in open, honest communication. We would want to navigate those moments together, with compassion and mutual respect.

Ultimately, we understand that this can be a deeply personal and complex topic, and we feel it’s important to be aligned from the beginning. Our hope is to work with someone who shares a similar approach, one that prioritizes safety, informed decision-making, and care for everyone involved.

The intended parents

Chris Couvavas(He/Him)

28 years old

Communicates in

English, French, and Greek

Occupation

High School Teacher

Religion

Christianity

Sexual orientation

Gay

Fun facts about me

One thing that really defines me, and often surprises people, is how deeply connected I am to my family, especially my grandparents. They’ve had such a meaningful impact on who I am, and I make a real effort to honor that. I even created an Instagram page dedicated to them as a way to celebrate their story, their legacy, and the values they’ve passed down to me. It’s something that means a lot to me and reflects how important family is in my life.

Another unique goal of mine is to visit all the inhabited islands of Greece. It’s something I’ve always dreamed about, not just for the travel, but because of my personal connection to the culture and heritage. Each island has its own identity, and I love the idea of exploring the lands that my ancestors come from.

Long-term, I’d also love to retire in Greece. There’s something about the lifestyle, the pace, and the connection to tradition that really resonates with me. It feels like a place where I could truly slow down, stay connected to what matters most, and enjoy life in a meaningful way.

Interests and hobbies

I love filling my life with experiences that bring both energy and balance. Traveling is one of my biggest passions. I’m always excited by the chance to explore new places, experience different cultures, and step outside of my comfort zone. Whether it’s a busy city or somewhere completely secluded, I enjoy the sense of discovery that comes with it. My top 3 favourite countries are Greece, Italy and Spain.

When I’m closer to home, I love being immersed in nature. I enjoy being outdoors and Hamza and I regularly go canoeing/hiking in the summer. We also love to move around the city on foot and you can often find us strolling across Leslieville or catching the sunset at Riverdale Park.

I also really value connection and community. Spending time with friends, whether it’s a casual hangout, dinner, or just catching up, means a lot to me. The same goes for family time, especially during birthdays and holidays, which I see as important moments to slow down, celebrate the people around me and make those lifelong memories. Some favourites include Christmas, Easter and summer get togethers.

Overall, I try to build a life that balances adventure, meaningful relationships, and simple everyday joys.

What friends say

“
My friends would probably describe me as genuine, caring, and deeply dedicated, especially when it comes to teaching and supporting others. I’m someone who truly invests in people, whether that’s helping students grow or being there for friends and family in meaningful ways.
They’d also say I’m patient and understanding, someone who takes the time to listen and approach situations with empathy. At the same time, I bring a good sense of humour into everything I do. I like to keep things light, make people laugh, and create a positive environment around me.
Above all, I think they’d say I have a real zest for life. I bring energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of purpose to what I do, and I try to make the most out of every experience while encouraging others to do the same.
”

(He/Him)

33 years old

Communicates in

English

Occupation

Architect

Religion

Islam

Sexual orientation

Gay

Fun facts about me

One thing people are often surprised to learn about me is how much I enjoy the balance between structure and creativity in my life. On one hand, I’m very disciplined and focused when it comes to my goals, but on the other, I love getting creative, especially in the kitchen, where I’ll experiment with new recipes or put my own twist on classic dishes. I'm specifically known for my chocolate stuffed cookies that I make every Christmas. Friends and family absolutely rave about them, so much so that they joke that I should start a side business!

I also have a bit of a hidden competitive side. Whether it’s a casual game, a workout challenge, or even trying to perfect a recipe, I tend to quietly push myself to improve and get better each time.

Interests and hobbies

I really enjoy spending my time in ways that challenge me, relax me, and help me grow. One of my biggest passions is cooking and baking! I love the process of creating something from scratch, experimenting with new recipes, and refining dishes over time. There’s something so rewarding about bringing people together over a great meal or sharing something homemade. It’s both a creative outlet and a way to show care for the people around me.

Staying fit is also a big part of who I am, both physically and mentally. I make it a priority to stay active, whether that’s through workouts, biking, or just getting outside and moving. It helps me stay disciplined, focused, and energized. At the same time, I value mental fitness just as much. Taking time to reset, stay grounded, and maintain a positive, balanced mindset.

For me, it’s all about consistency and intention. Putting in the effort to feel strong, clear-headed, and capable in all areas of life. Whether I’m in the kitchen or working on my well-being, I’m always striving to improve, enjoy the process, and find balance along the way.

What friends say

“
My friends would likely describe me as ambitious and driven. Someone who sets goals and works hard to achieve them. I take pride in putting in the effort, staying disciplined, and always pushing myself to grow, both personally and professionally.
They’d also say I’m generous, whether that means giving my time, supporting the people around me, or going out of my way to help when it matters. I value showing up for others and building strong, meaningful relationships.
At the same time, I’m creative and enjoy thinking outside the box. I like bringing new ideas to the table, whether it’s in everyday situations or bigger projects, and finding unique ways to solve problems or make things better.
Overall, I think they’d describe me as someone who combines determination with kindness and creativity, always striving to improve while lifting others up along the way.
”

Their story

Questions & answers

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