In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold and the world shut down, Vicky Li received a call that would change her life. International intended parents, unable to enter the U.S. due to travel restrictions, had just welcomed their babies through surrogacy—and needed someone they trusted to care for them.
They turned to Vicky. First one, and then another.
Vicky and her family cared for a total of five babies, each born to international intended parents who were unable to enter the United States. Already a trusted part of their journey, Vicky had supported these families through matching, IVF, and pregnancy, all while providing guidance in their native language. When they asked if she could take the babies into her care, she said yes immediately.
Creating a Home in a Time of Crisis
She and her husband, Jerry, rearranged their lives overnight. They converted their home into a nursery, adjusted their work schedules, and took turns through sleepless nights. “Balancing everything proved to be incredibly demanding,” Vicky recalls. “Both my husband and I were working from home, requiring us to coordinate our work schedules and meetings while taking turns caring for the babies.”
What began as a short-term solution became a two-year commitment for one of the babies. And he reached milestone after milestone in Vicky’s home—first steps, first teeth, first birthdays. She became his legal guardian during the long wait and handled every detail of his care, from doctor’s appointments to late-night feedings.
“My clients placed their complete trust in me,” Vicky says. “When they entrusted their babies to me, I devoted my entire heart to their care.”
Vicky Li and her husband, Jerry Wu, cared for five newborns during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pictured here with two of the infants in 2020, while the babies awaited reunification with their parents.
Building an Agency with Heart
As she cared for the infants around the clock, Vicky was working behind the scenes to bring a new vision to life. In June 2020, alongside her colleagues Zara Griswold and Mariana Martinez, she officially launched Shining Light Baby. The three had worked together at a previous agency and shared a belief that intended parents—especially those navigating the complexities of international surrogacy—deserved more than process management. They deserved transparency, guidance, and compassion.
The trust Vicky built with families during that time became the foundation of the agency’s values. When they finally had the ability to meet in a third country and reunite one of the children with their parents, she and Jerry flew there personally to ensure a safe handoff. Saying goodbye was painful. “I will never forget that moment when we handed the baby back to his parents,” Vicky remembers. “Both my husband and I felt heartbroken. Yet, we knew we were only temporary guardians, and it was our responsibility to return him to his parents as soon as possible.”
A Bond That Remains
Today, that bond remains. Vicky and her husband still connect regularly with one of the families over video, and even visited them in China last year. “We truly consider them part of our family,” she says.
The experience shaped more than just her personal life—it continues to influence every part of how Shining Light Baby operates. Vicky is committed to guiding families through each step of the surrogacy process, especially those who may be overwhelmed by language barriers or unfamiliar systems. She believes that human connection should always come first.
Daniel celebrates his 4th birthday with his family in China. He spent the first two years of his life in the care of Vicky Li during the pandemic.
Leading With Heart
“This experience reinforced my belief that life’s greatest fulfillment comes from helping others,” she explains. “I believe that prioritizing human-centered care is crucial in today’s world. As an agency, we consider it our responsibility to guide them through each step—clearly explaining every part of the process and assisting them in finding the right surrogate with compassion and care. This is the core value that we have made central to all our operations.”
Even after the loss of co-founder Zara Griswold, whose early vision helped establish the agency’s compassionate approach, Shining Light Baby has remained true to its roots. The agency’s mission is still defined by the values it was built on during those early, uncertain months.
For others considering work in this field, Vicky offers heartfelt advice: “You must possess a profound passion for this work. It’s not something that can be done halfway. The trust that intended parents place in you is a significant responsibility that must be honored with integrity and care.”
The Lessons Live On
As Shining Light Baby celebrates its fifth year, the babies Vicky once held in her arms are now growing up. The world has moved forward, but the lessons of that time remain. The compassion, trust, and commitment that defined those early days continue to guide every decision, every relationship, and every family the agency serves today.
If you’re ready to begin your surrogacy journey, or simply want to learn more about how we can support you, reach out to the team at Shining Light Baby. We’re here to light the way.