Discovering unknown family through DNA tests

Taking a DNA test might yield some surprises about your heritage; a recent survey shows that more than a quarter of those who use mail-in DNA tests end up learning about close relatives they didn't know about. But it's not always happy or comforting news. Rita Braver talks with people who have met siblings for the first time, and with members of a support group for those who suddenly discover they have different biological parents from those who raised them. She also finds out how employees at 23&Me get special training to counsel people who've made shocking discoveries about their families.

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[misstriciaskitchen]

I did AncestryDNA early 2021. I found a mystery first cousin. I know all my first cousins so I wondered who she could be. I reached out to her and discovered she had no idea who her father was. After comparing matches I determined she had to belong to one of my mother’s brothers. One is living and one is deceased. I convinced my uncle to take the test. Turned out he is her uncle so the deceased uncle is her father. She finally knows who her father was and she is in contact with his other children. I never dreamed I would play a role in a dna mystery but it feels great.

[patriciavasquez]

My college roommate discovered she had a twin, at the age of 55, they live together now. stunning stunning identical.

[Beverly]

My husband found out that his dad had an entire secret second family without ever leaving his mom. He has 5 (one deceased at birth) half siblings 10-15 years younger. Imagine learning that at EIGHTY. Turns out that they are precious people who have added to our lives greatly.

[deemariedubois]

The dad has strong genes. Anyone seeing the two sons together would know they were brothers. Good looking family.

[dbcruises]

Just TODAY I talked to my 73 year old sister I found out about yesterday. Thru 23andMe

[Tracylvideos]

I just found I have a sister. I never knew my father nor his name. I did the DNA test and I have a sister and now know the name of my biological father. This just happened in October 2019. I waited 56 years for a name.

[thymeandtenderness]

My mother never knew her father. She did a DNA test and found her bio fathers family. Turns out they were looking for my mother’s brother and were shocked to learn that my mother was existed.

[erincoriell]

My husband's deceased mom was a adopted and he found her half sister. He has an amazing relationship with his Aunt!

[billclifton]

My mother, who knew she was adopted ...Found her brother at the age of 90

[metzicrowden]

Lesson is: if you take a DNA test expect to probably find skeletons . Remember your parents are just people too. Good things, bad things nobody is perfect.

[janetgreen]

I got a new sister at 72 years old through Ancestry DNA.

[beccadreams]

My daughter did 23 & me. She brought me home a niece! I am 1 of 10 and one of them had a child they gave up. I just love her!

[cynthiarogers]

I was adopted and had met my birth mother. She had grown up with my birth father and told me I had half-siblings but wouldn't tell me their names. 9 months ago my DNA results turned up one sister. Turns out I am the second youngest of 5; four sisters and a brother. All were in complete shock. Sad for them that their entire family knew that I existed and no one told them. All but one sister have accepted me into their family; even coming to my house to celebrate Thanksgiving! This has been such a gift but sad as well that we have missed so many years. It's time to make up for lost years!!!

[denisetauben]

OMG!!! DNA testing rocked our world. My daughter pursued testing because My husband and I only had knowledge of one genetic parent; My mother. He was adopted and My biological father was a rebound summer fling. We discovered family in many states and we have had an AMAZING result. Surprising, cautious but open loving arms and many pieces of the puzzle being put together. We feel very Blessed with the continual growing family.

[seekingjustthefacts]

I am dark brown skinned African-American, and was shocked to learn that my 2x great grandmother was Ashkenazi Jew from Poland. It answered the reason why I would have dreams centering around this older white woman. It also made sense why years before, I took my young son to visit Dachau concentration camp in Germany. I didn't understand why that was important to me that he learned that history. Now, I know.

[lonniemartinez]

I just heard from a sister I didn’t know I had through DNA! Met her over the holidays!

[SoUtHMeMpHis]

🤔I was kinda hoping the opposite. That some of my relatives aren't my actual family.

[grod]

This is so sad. I'm actually shedding a few tears for their other brother who died and never felt part of a family

[chrisgordon]

A friend of mine was raised by his uncle. His Uncle was his father. The Uncle married his mother and raised him. He once said to me that his "Father" may not be his biological father, but he was his father just the same. ( What he actually said was a lot more colorful than that.)

I adopted my wife's child when she was under 2 years old. She says that I am the only father she ever had. In spite of finding her Bio Father who refused to admit she was his daughter. And the contract he signed when he gave up all parental rights and the payoff he made.

Just because you are a Sperm Donor, doesn't make you a parent.

[wandarichardson]

I am constantly amazed by these stories and people's reactions.