A mum-of-two died giving birth to her friend's baby after making the 'selfless' decision to become a surrogate.
Michelle Reaves was on her second surrogacy to help her friend and her partner have another child when she suffered complications during the birth.
While the baby survived, Michelle, from California, was left fighting for her life and eventually passed away on Wednesday morning- leaving behind her heartbroken husband, Chris, and two children, Gage and Monroe.
On a GoFundMe page, family friend Jaime Herwehe, said: "For those of you who didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Michelle, she will always be known for the love she had for her family.
"Michelle has the best, most sarcastic, funny personality and always had you laughing.
"Michelle and Chris have two beautiful kids, Gage and Monroe who my heart breaks for, knowing they won’t grow old with their mama."
Jamie went on to say his "heart breaks" for Michelle's two children who won't have the the chance to "grow old with their mama."
He continued: "Michelle was on her second surrogacy for the same family and as she was delivering the baby this morning, one complication led to the next and she fought for her life.
"Although the baby made it out safe, Michelle did not.
"I can’t even begin to imagine what her husband Chris and her two babies are going through so I want to start this page to help raise money for help with the kids, for Chris as they all adjust, funeral services, or anything at all to make it as easy as we can on them."
He is now raising money to help the family with funeral and care costs.
Jamie added: "You hear about these things happening all of the time but never in your life imagine it will happen to you... if you can’t donate at this time, please at least share so we can try to do everything we can for their family.
"This all doesn’t even feel real, let’s be there for Michelle’s family like they would for us. No one deserves to lose their mama so young or the mother of their children."
You can visit the donation page here
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