Author: sHq_LoGiNz

Baby Girl McGill marks a historic milestone for Atlanta nonprofit expanding access to surrogacy

ATLANTA, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Surrogacy Foundation, an Atlanta nonprofit expanding access to surrogacy, announced today the birth of the first baby born through its grant program.

Baby girl McGill was born on February 24, 2026, to Shannon and Patrick McGill of Canton, Georgia, the intended parents, marking a defining milestone for the organization and a moment the family once feared might not be possible.

In May 2022, Shannon McGill experienced life-threatening complications during the birth of her son. After an emergency cesarean section and severe hemorrhage, doctors performed a hysterectomy to save her life. She later learned that while she could no longer carry a pregnancy, her viable eggs meant surrogacy could still allow them to grow their family.

“After everything we endured, we knew our story wasn’t over,” said Shannon McGill. “Being told I needed a hysterectomy was devastating, but hearing that surrogacy was still possible gave us hope. The truth is, we could only move forward because of The Surrogacy Foundation’s grant. Without their support, it likely would have been years before we held our baby girl. Now that she’s here, it’s hard to imagine having to wait any longer.”

The McGills were awarded The Surrogacy Foundation’s second $100,000 grant in October 2024 following a rigorous, multi-stage application and review process. The funding was made possible through proceeds raised at the Foundation’s annual Surrogacy Soirée in February 2024.

At the following year’s Soirée, Shannon and Patrick met Charlotte Ramberg of Cumming, Georgia, an experienced gestational carrier. Ramberg is also a licensed professional counselor specializing in maternal and reproductive mental health, reflecting her long-standing commitment to supporting families. She was supported throughout her journeys by her husband, Kevin Ramberg.

What followed was a journey marked by medical and psychological screenings, legal coordination, embryo transfer, months of waiting, and ultimately hearing their daughter’s first heartbeat.

“For me, surrogacy is an act of trust, hope, and responsibility,” said Ramberg. “Every journey is unique, but the goal is the same. It is about helping a family welcome their child into the world. Watching Shannon participate in her daughter’s delivery, then seeing her and Patrick hold her for the first time, was unforgettable. Outside of delivering my own children, it is one of the greatest honors of my life.”

The birth of baby girl McGill marks the first child born through The Surrogacy Foundation’s grant program.

“We talk a lot about access to family building in theory. This is what it looks like in practice,” said Zach French, Executive Director of The Surrogacy Foundation. “A family who once heard ‘you can’t’ is now holding their daughter because a community decided to step in.”

Gestational surrogacy in the United States can cost well over $150,000, placing it out of reach for many families. Through grants and partnerships, The Surrogacy Foundation works to reduce that barrier while promoting ethical surrogacy practices.

The McGill surrogacy journey was made possible through a network of partners, many of whom provided pro bono or discounted services, including:

• Family Makers Surrogacy — agency support
• Claiborne, Fox, Bradley & Goldman, with Holland Goldman — legal counsel
• Sherriann Hicks Law Firm — legal representation
• Thallo Health — mental health support
• SeedTrust Escrow — escrow management
• International Fertility Insurance — insurance services
• Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine with Dr. Ashley Tiegs — fertility services
• Scarlet Oak Photography — photography

Additional partners included:

• Northside Hospital Forsyth — delivery hospital
• OB-GYN of Atlanta — obstetric care
• Your Birth Helper — doula support

A maternity photo featuring both families and a photo of baby girl McGill are available for media use. Additional images and video assets are available upon request. More behind-the-scenes moments from the journey are available on Instagram at @TheSurrogacyFoundation. For media inquiries, please contact Mariam Shaha, 469-441-8388, 409966@email4pr.com.

This milestone reflects the growing impact of The Surrogacy Foundation’s work. By the end of Surrogacy Awareness Month in March 2026, the organization will announce two additional national grant recipients and surpass $500,000 in lifetime direct financial support to families.

About The Surrogacy Foundation

The Surrogacy Foundation is an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to making surrogacy more accessible through financial grants, education, and advocacy. By partnering with medical, legal, and mental health professionals, the Foundation supports intended parents and gestational carriers throughout their journeys. To date, the organization has raised more than $1 million to help families pursue surrogacy and continues to work toward normalizing ethical surrogacy and expanding access to family building.

For more information, visit www.giftofsurrogacyfoundation.org.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-surrogacy-foundation-celebrates-first-baby-born-through-its-100-000-grant-program-302703815.html

SOURCE The Surrogacy Foundation

Baby Girl McGill marks a historic milestone for Atlanta nonprofit expanding access to surrogacy

ATLANTA, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Surrogacy Foundation, an Atlanta nonprofit expanding access to surrogacy, announced today the birth of the first baby born through its grant program.

Baby girl McGill was born on February 24, 2026, to Shannon and Patrick McGill of Canton, Georgia, the intended parents, marking a defining milestone for the organization and a moment the family once feared might not be possible.

In May 2022, Shannon McGill experienced life-threatening complications during the birth of her son. After an emergency cesarean section and severe hemorrhage, doctors performed a hysterectomy to save her life. She later learned that while she could no longer carry a pregnancy, her viable eggs meant surrogacy could still allow them to grow their family.

“After everything we endured, we knew our story wasn’t over,” said Shannon McGill. “Being told I needed a hysterectomy was devastating, but hearing that surrogacy was still possible gave us hope. The truth is, we could only move forward because of The Surrogacy Foundation’s grant. Without their support, it likely would have been years before we held our baby girl. Now that she’s here, it’s hard to imagine having to wait any longer.”

The McGills were awarded The Surrogacy Foundation’s second $100,000 grant in October 2024 following a rigorous, multi-stage application and review process. The funding was made possible through proceeds raised at the Foundation’s annual Surrogacy Soirée in February 2024.

At the following year’s Soirée, Shannon and Patrick met Charlotte Ramberg of Cumming, Georgia, an experienced gestational carrier. Ramberg is also a licensed professional counselor specializing in maternal and reproductive mental health, reflecting her long-standing commitment to supporting families. She was supported throughout her journeys by her husband, Kevin Ramberg.

What followed was a journey marked by medical and psychological screenings, legal coordination, embryo transfer, months of waiting, and ultimately hearing their daughter’s first heartbeat.

“For me, surrogacy is an act of trust, hope, and responsibility,” said Ramberg. “Every journey is unique, but the goal is the same. It is about helping a family welcome their child into the world. Watching Shannon participate in her daughter’s delivery, then seeing her and Patrick hold her for the first time, was unforgettable. Outside of delivering my own children, it is one of the greatest honors of my life.”

The birth of baby girl McGill marks the first child born through The Surrogacy Foundation’s grant program.

“We talk a lot about access to family building in theory. This is what it looks like in practice,” said Zach French, Executive Director of The Surrogacy Foundation. “A family who once heard ‘you can’t’ is now holding their daughter because a community decided to step in.”

Gestational surrogacy in the United States can cost well over $150,000, placing it out of reach for many families. Through grants and partnerships, The Surrogacy Foundation works to reduce that barrier while promoting ethical surrogacy practices.

The McGill surrogacy journey was made possible through a network of partners, many of whom provided pro bono or discounted services, including:

• Family Makers Surrogacy — agency support
• Claiborne, Fox, Bradley & Goldman, with Holland Goldman — legal counsel
• Sherriann Hicks Law Firm — legal representation
• Thallo Health — mental health support
• SeedTrust Escrow — escrow management
• International Fertility Insurance — insurance services
• Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine with Dr. Ashley Tiegs — fertility services
• Scarlet Oak Photography — photography

Additional partners included:

• Northside Hospital Forsyth — delivery hospital
• OB-GYN of Atlanta — obstetric care
• Your Birth Helper — doula support

A maternity photo featuring both families and a photo of baby girl McGill are available for media use. Additional images and video assets are available upon request. More behind-the-scenes moments from the journey are available on Instagram at @TheSurrogacyFoundation. For media inquiries, please contact Mariam Shaha, 469-441-8388, 409966@email4pr.com.

This milestone reflects the growing impact of The Surrogacy Foundation’s work. By the end of Surrogacy Awareness Month in March 2026, the organization will announce two additional national grant recipients and surpass $500,000 in lifetime direct financial support to families.

About The Surrogacy Foundation

The Surrogacy Foundation is an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to making surrogacy more accessible through financial grants, education, and advocacy. By partnering with medical, legal, and mental health professionals, the Foundation supports intended parents and gestational carriers throughout their journeys. To date, the organization has raised more than $1 million to help families pursue surrogacy and continues to work toward normalizing ethical surrogacy and expanding access to family building.

For more information, visit www.giftofsurrogacyfoundation.org.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-surrogacy-foundation-celebrates-first-baby-born-through-its-100-000-grant-program-302703815.html

SOURCE The Surrogacy Foundation

NOVATO, Calif., March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brayton Purcell LLP announces the publication of a new national InvestigateTV investigation that brings significant attention to the life‑threatening dangers associated with crystalline silica artificial stone—a product also known as manufactured stone, artificial stone, or engineered stone. The story, released March 2, 2026, by journalists Anna Werner, Daniela Molina, Jamie Grey, and Scotty Smith, profiles the medical crisis faced by California countertop fabrication worker Rodolfo Figueroa, whose decades of cutting artificial stone resulted in catastrophic lung damage.

Mr. Figueroa, age 70, recently returned home following a life‑saving lung transplant. As the InvestigateTV report documents, his illness progressed rapidly after years of exposure to the nano‑sized silica particles, toxic resins and glues, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained in artificial stone, which is composed of at least 90 percent silica. Health professionals have long warned that inhalation of these particles can cause severe and irreversible disease, including silicosis.

California remains the only state actively tracking silicosis cases linked specifically to artificial stone fabrication. Current state data identifies more than 500 workers diagnosed, 54 workers requiring lung transplants, and 29 deaths. Many of the affected individuals, including Mr. Figueroa, dedicated years to fabricating countertops made from crystalline silica artificial stone.

Legal Context and HR 5437

The InvestigateTV report also examines the ongoing national debate surrounding H.R. 5437, a proposed federal bailout bill that would remove legal responsibility from manufacturers and distributors of artificial stone slabs in cases involving worker illness or death.

Brayton Purcell LLP attorney James Nevin, who represents Mr. Figueroa and many other affected individuals, addressed this issue in the broadcast. Nevin explained that manufacturers of crystalline silica artificial stone have long known how their products are used:

“The whole chain has been created by the slab manufacturers,” Nevin said. “It’s not like, oh, we didn’t know that this was going to happen. We didn’t know that our product was going to be fabricated. It’s designed to be fabricated.”

If enacted, H.R. 5437 would dramatically shift legal accountability away from the entities responsible for placing artificial stone slabs—containing extremely high concentrations of respirable silica—into the marketplace.

Scientific Perspective: ‘A Far More Pernicious Product’

InvestigateTV also interviewed Dr. David Michaels, epidemiologist, former Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and professor at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. Dr. Michaels distinguished artificial stone from other materials commonly used in countertop fabrication:

“If the stone product is not very fine, it’s less dangerous than the very fine flour essentially that goes into artificial stone,” Dr. Michaels stated.

Dr. Michaels further explained: “Workers need protection from all materials. But this particular product that we’re talking about here is clearly far more pernicious. And that’s why we really should move to a safer product.”

Dr. Michaels’ commentary underscores the concerns raised by occupational health specialists nationwide who have observed the escalating medical consequences tied to the fabrication of crystalline silica artificial stone.

Ongoing Concerns About Worker Exposure

While some industry representatives claim that safety procedures can be consistently maintained, researchers and public health authorities interviewed by InvestigateTV described a very different reality.

A study highlighted in the broadcast found that even with wet-cutting methods, nearly 50 percent of fabrication shops working with crystalline silica artificial stone still exceeded OSHA’s permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica. Over 100 peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that there is no safe way for human beings to fabricate crystalline silica artificial stone, even when exposure levels are kept at or below OSHA’s PEL.

Occupational health experts estimate that 20,000 to 30,000 workers nationwide could ultimately develop silicosis related to artificial stone fabrication.

An Urgent Public Health Issue

Mr. Figueroa, speaking from his home following his recent transplant, expressed gratitude for the time he has been given, while acknowledging the seriousness of his condition. His story illustrates the devastating personal toll of exposure to crystalline silica artificial stone particles.

Brayton Purcell LLP has represented individuals harmed by toxic exposures for decades, including those involving artificial stone. The firm remains committed to helping affected workers understand their legal rights and pursue accountability from the manufacturers and distributors of crystalline silica artificial stone products.

The full InvestigateTV story is now available to the public.

https://www.braytonlaw.com/engineered-stone-silicosis-news/

Media Contact:

Nolan Lowry

nlowry@braytonlaw.com

415-399-3107

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brayton-purcell-llp-highlights-new-national-investigatetv-report-exposing-the-severe-health-consequences-of-crystalline-silica-artificial-stone-302703598.html

SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP

NOVATO, Calif., March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brayton Purcell LLP announces the publication of a new national InvestigateTV investigation that brings significant attention to the life‑threatening dangers associated with crystalline silica artificial stone—a product also known as manufactured stone, artificial stone, or engineered stone. The story, released March 2, 2026, by journalists Anna Werner, Daniela Molina, Jamie Grey, and Scotty Smith, profiles the medical crisis faced by California countertop fabrication worker Rodolfo Figueroa, whose decades of cutting artificial stone resulted in catastrophic lung damage.

Mr. Figueroa, age 70, recently returned home following a life‑saving lung transplant. As the InvestigateTV report documents, his illness progressed rapidly after years of exposure to the nano‑sized silica particles, toxic resins and glues, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained in artificial stone, which is composed of at least 90 percent silica. Health professionals have long warned that inhalation of these particles can cause severe and irreversible disease, including silicosis.

California remains the only state actively tracking silicosis cases linked specifically to artificial stone fabrication. Current state data identifies more than 500 workers diagnosed, 54 workers requiring lung transplants, and 29 deaths. Many of the affected individuals, including Mr. Figueroa, dedicated years to fabricating countertops made from crystalline silica artificial stone.

Legal Context and HR 5437

The InvestigateTV report also examines the ongoing national debate surrounding H.R. 5437, a proposed federal bailout bill that would remove legal responsibility from manufacturers and distributors of artificial stone slabs in cases involving worker illness or death.

Brayton Purcell LLP attorney James Nevin, who represents Mr. Figueroa and many other affected individuals, addressed this issue in the broadcast. Nevin explained that manufacturers of crystalline silica artificial stone have long known how their products are used:

“The whole chain has been created by the slab manufacturers,” Nevin said. “It’s not like, oh, we didn’t know that this was going to happen. We didn’t know that our product was going to be fabricated. It’s designed to be fabricated.”

If enacted, H.R. 5437 would dramatically shift legal accountability away from the entities responsible for placing artificial stone slabs—containing extremely high concentrations of respirable silica—into the marketplace.

Scientific Perspective: ‘A Far More Pernicious Product’

InvestigateTV also interviewed Dr. David Michaels, epidemiologist, former Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and professor at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. Dr. Michaels distinguished artificial stone from other materials commonly used in countertop fabrication:

“If the stone product is not very fine, it’s less dangerous than the very fine flour essentially that goes into artificial stone,” Dr. Michaels stated.

Dr. Michaels further explained: “Workers need protection from all materials. But this particular product that we’re talking about here is clearly far more pernicious. And that’s why we really should move to a safer product.”

Dr. Michaels’ commentary underscores the concerns raised by occupational health specialists nationwide who have observed the escalating medical consequences tied to the fabrication of crystalline silica artificial stone.

Ongoing Concerns About Worker Exposure

While some industry representatives claim that safety procedures can be consistently maintained, researchers and public health authorities interviewed by InvestigateTV described a very different reality.

A study highlighted in the broadcast found that even with wet-cutting methods, nearly 50 percent of fabrication shops working with crystalline silica artificial stone still exceeded OSHA’s permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica. Over 100 peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that there is no safe way for human beings to fabricate crystalline silica artificial stone, even when exposure levels are kept at or below OSHA’s PEL.

Occupational health experts estimate that 20,000 to 30,000 workers nationwide could ultimately develop silicosis related to artificial stone fabrication.

An Urgent Public Health Issue

Mr. Figueroa, speaking from his home following his recent transplant, expressed gratitude for the time he has been given, while acknowledging the seriousness of his condition. His story illustrates the devastating personal toll of exposure to crystalline silica artificial stone particles.

Brayton Purcell LLP has represented individuals harmed by toxic exposures for decades, including those involving artificial stone. The firm remains committed to helping affected workers understand their legal rights and pursue accountability from the manufacturers and distributors of crystalline silica artificial stone products.

The full InvestigateTV story is now available to the public.

https://www.braytonlaw.com/engineered-stone-silicosis-news/

Media Contact:

Nolan Lowry

nlowry@braytonlaw.com

415-399-3107

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brayton-purcell-llp-highlights-new-national-investigatetv-report-exposing-the-severe-health-consequences-of-crystalline-silica-artificial-stone-302703598.html

SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP

BRUSSELS, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A new Eurelectric-EY study shows that fleet electrification could unlock up to €246bn in cumulative operating cost savings by 2030. Combined with wider system benefits, corporate  fleets represent a key lever to decarbonise transport while strengthening Europe’s competitiveness. To unlock this potential, Europe must maintain ambition and implement existing legislation. Eurelectric calls for ambitious binding national purchase targets for zero-emission vehicles, targeted national fiscal incentives, and a special focus on BEVs equipped with onboard bidirectional charging capabilities.

The study finds that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) offer 20-50% lower operating costs than internal combustion engine models across corporate cars, vans and trucks. With OpEx accounting for around 60-75% of the total cost of ownership for trucks, 25-40% for cars, and 45-65% for vans, electrification can deliver a clear financial advantage over a vehicle’s lifetime.  

“In the EU, 6 out of 10 new vehicles are sold to fleet owners, so the potential to save money and emissions is enormous. A well-designed fleet initiative can boost demand for BEVs to the benefit of European Industry and energy independence” – Kristian Ruby, Eurelectric’s Secretary General.

The benefits go beyond fleet operators. EU carmakers already have a stronger foothold in the corporate fleet zero emission vehicles market than their non-EU competitors, and clear purchase targets for BEVs could stimulate demand for at least 2 million additional BEVs by 2030. Long-term corporate charging contracts will also provide secure and predictable revenue streams for Charge Point Operators (CPOs). Meanwhile, EV batteries can also enhance energy system flexibility through smart charging and/or V2G services.

“Fleet electrification is already delivering clear operating cost wins, but structural barriers still slow adoption. Fixing upfront costs, residual value risk, fragmented policies and grid constraints with predictable rules will determine how fast Europe can scale” – Constantin Gall, Global Aerospace, Defense & Mobility Leader, EY.

BEVs keep gaining momentum: in 2025 sales grew by 30% in Europe, and surpassed petrol car sales for the first time ever in the EU. As the EU prepares to negotiate new legislation on corporate vehicles, clear direction and decisive action is fundamental. Eurelectric outlines five recommendations to unlock the full potential of fleet electrification.

Note to Editors:
Eurelectric represents the European electricity industry. Representing 3500+ companies, we promote the role of electricity in the advancement of society.

Contact:
Chiara CARMINUCCI
Press Advisor
ccarminucci@eurelectric.org
+32476871575 

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2778763/5833355/Eurelectric_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/electrification-makes-a-strong-business-case-for-fleets-302702507.html

SOURCE Eurelectric

BRUSSELS, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A new Eurelectric-EY study shows that fleet electrification could unlock up to €246bn in cumulative operating cost savings by 2030. Combined with wider system benefits, corporate  fleets represent a key lever to decarbonise transport while strengthening Europe’s competitiveness. To unlock this potential, Europe must maintain ambition and implement existing legislation. Eurelectric calls for ambitious binding national purchase targets for zero-emission vehicles, targeted national fiscal incentives, and a special focus on BEVs equipped with onboard bidirectional charging capabilities.

The study finds that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) offer 20-50% lower operating costs than internal combustion engine models across corporate cars, vans and trucks. With OpEx accounting for around 60-75% of the total cost of ownership for trucks, 25-40% for cars, and 45-65% for vans, electrification can deliver a clear financial advantage over a vehicle’s lifetime.  

“In the EU, 6 out of 10 new vehicles are sold to fleet owners, so the potential to save money and emissions is enormous. A well-designed fleet initiative can boost demand for BEVs to the benefit of European Industry and energy independence” – Kristian Ruby, Eurelectric’s Secretary General.

The benefits go beyond fleet operators. EU carmakers already have a stronger foothold in the corporate fleet zero emission vehicles market than their non-EU competitors, and clear purchase targets for BEVs could stimulate demand for at least 2 million additional BEVs by 2030. Long-term corporate charging contracts will also provide secure and predictable revenue streams for Charge Point Operators (CPOs). Meanwhile, EV batteries can also enhance energy system flexibility through smart charging and/or V2G services.

“Fleet electrification is already delivering clear operating cost wins, but structural barriers still slow adoption. Fixing upfront costs, residual value risk, fragmented policies and grid constraints with predictable rules will determine how fast Europe can scale” – Constantin Gall, Global Aerospace, Defense & Mobility Leader, EY.

BEVs keep gaining momentum: in 2025 sales grew by 30% in Europe, and surpassed petrol car sales for the first time ever in the EU. As the EU prepares to negotiate new legislation on corporate vehicles, clear direction and decisive action is fundamental. Eurelectric outlines five recommendations to unlock the full potential of fleet electrification.

Note to Editors:
Eurelectric represents the European electricity industry. Representing 3500+ companies, we promote the role of electricity in the advancement of society.

Contact:
Chiara CARMINUCCI
Press Advisor
ccarminucci@eurelectric.org
+32476871575 

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2778763/5833355/Eurelectric_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/electrification-makes-a-strong-business-case-for-fleets-302702507.html

SOURCE Eurelectric