Key Takeaways
- Casey Brady discovered a blood condition that prevented her from carrying a pregnancy, leading her and husband Mitch to pursue IVF and surrogacy.
- Their first surrogate, Brooke Ernst, became a close family friend after a year‑long bonding period; the families celebrated milestones together, including Billie’s first birthday in Christchurch.
- When Billie was three months old, Casey’s younger sister Jessie Henry agreed to act as surrogate for a second child, fulfilling Jessie’s long‑standing wish to help and delivering a son, Trey.
- Casey’s mobility limitations require home adaptations (e.g., sliding cot doors) and creative parenting solutions, with Billie often stepping in to assist.
- Beyond motherhood, Casey co‑owns the New Zealand franchise of NextStep, a US‑based gym network that helps people with disabilities regain mobility, operating three locations and planning further expansion.
- She remains committed to an intensive rehabilitation programme, steadily improving lower‑body sensation and function while working alongside Mitch.
- The couple dreams of adding a third child, envisioning a lively household filled with the joys and chaos of a big family.
Introduction
Casey Brady, known to many from her appearance on the TVNZ+ series Unbreakable, which highlights extraordinary Kiwis overcoming adversity, faced a life‑changing medical revelation: a blood condition that made it impossible for her to carry a pregnancy. Rather than surrendering to the limitation, Casey and her husband Mitch turned to assisted reproduction, embarking on a journey that combined IVF with surrogacy to build the family they had always wanted.
First Surrogate: Building a Bond with Brooke Ernst
The couple’s initial surrogate was Brooke Ernst, a woman they did not know at the outset. Recognizing the importance of trust and rapport, Casey and Mitch spent an entire year getting to know Brooke and her family before any medical procedures began. This investment paid off; Casey describes the experience as “the most amazing,” emphasizing the deep affection that developed between the two households. When their daughter Billie arrived, Brooke’s family relocated to Christchurch so they could stay close, and the families celebrated Billie’s first birthday together down south, cementing a lifelong connection.
Choosing a Second Surrogate: Sister Jessie Henry Steps In
With Billie only three months old and additional embryos ready, Casey and Mitch decided to try for a second child. This time, the surrogate was not a stranger but Casey’s younger sister, Jessie Henry. Jessie had long expressed a desire to be their surrogate, but timing had previously conflicted with her own parenting responsibilities. When the opportunity arose, Jessie declared enthusiastically, “I’m going to carry your boy,” and followed through, delivering a healthy son named Trey. The choice highlighted the family’s strong support network and Jessie’s personal commitment to helping her sister realize her dream of motherhood.
Welcoming Trey and Family Dynamics
Trey’s arrival completed a sibling pair that Casey adores. She often remarks on Jessie’s role as both sister and surrogate, noting how Jessie’s willingness to carry a boy addressed a family trend—there are few boys in their lineage. The bond between the siblings is evident; Casey lovingly refers to Jessie as her “best friend,” and the shared experience of surrogacy has deepened their familial ties. Billie, now a toddler, has embraced her role as an older sister, frequently assisting with Trey’s needs, a testament to the nurturing environment Casey and Mitch have cultivated.
Parenting with Mobility Challenges
Casey’s blood condition also brings balance issues that affect her physical interactions with the children. In the early days with Billie, she worried about holding her safely, but she and Mitch devised practical solutions. Mitch modified their home by installing sliding doors on the sides of the cots, allowing Casey to access the babies without needing to rise or lower herself fully. Despite these adaptations, certain activities remain challenging—getting up and down from the floor or rushing to a crying child are still difficult. Yet, Billie’s keen observational skills often bridge the gap; she once retrieved a dummy for her crying brother Trey after hearing Casey’s brief comment, illustrating the children’s growing independence and empathy.
Professional Pursuits: Co‑Owning NextStep
Beyond motherhood, Casey remains professionally active as a co‑owner of the New Zealand franchise of NextStep, a United States‑originated gym chain dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities regain mobility and function. Under her guidance, the franchise operates three facilities—in Whakatāne, Hamilton, and Tauranga—each providing specialized training and therapeutic equipment. Casey’s background as a former preschool teacher informs her approach, emphasizing accessibility and community outreach. She is actively working to expand NextStep’s presence across Aotearoa, aiming to bring its benefits to more people living with physical challenges.
Rehabilitation and Ongoing Progress
Parallel to her entrepreneurial efforts, Casey adheres to a rigorous rehabilitation programme designed to recover as much lower‑body function as possible. She trains regularly with professional therapists and practices exercises at home with Mitch’s support. While she acknowledges noticeable improvement—reporting “way more feeling” than before—she remains ambitious, stating, “I still want more.” This persistent effort reflects the same determination she exhibited when confronting her blood condition, underscoring a mindset of continual growth and resilience.
Looking Ahead: Dreams of a Third Child
Casey and Mitch’s family feels complete yet open to expansion. She openly shares her love for the “chaos of a big family” and envisions a future where all her children gather around a dinner table. Having experienced the profound joy of parenting Billie and Trey, she expresses gratitude for what they have while acknowledging a strong desire for one more child. The prospect of a third addition represents not only a personal wish but also a continuation of the couple’s belief in love, perseverance, and the power of alternative pathways to parenthood.