Search Angel Chronicles

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Janet Travis, a Search Angel and Genetic Genealogist, shares her personal story of a surprise connection for her half-brother through DNA testing. She explains how she asked her half-brother to test and was surprised to find a high match with a woman named Karen Smith. 

Janet reached out to Karen, who is an adoptee, and discovered that she was her half-brother's paternal half-sister. They connected and Janet's family was able to give Karen many details about her biological father.  

Then, Janet helped Karen find information about her birth mother. Janet searched for Karen's birth mother, Ruth, and eventually found a picture and a poem written by Ruth. Janet also received contact information for Nancy, a friend who had helped Ruth when she was sick.  Through Janet's efforts, Karen was able to connect with Ruth's friends and obtain a trunk filled with photos, awards, and personal belongings that belonged to Ruth. 

Karen and Janet organized a meeting with Karen's newfound siblings, creating a sense of completion and joy. Karen emphasizes the importance of taking the leap and embracing the journey of discovering one's biological family.

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Summary

Jen, an adoptee from Kentucky, shares her journey of searching for her birth parents and finding acceptance and love from her birth father and his wife. She initially reached out to her birth mother, but was met with rejection and disappointment. However, she found solace and strength in the unconditional acceptance from her birth father and his wife. 

Jen emphasizes the importance of knowing one's biological roots and encourages others to pursue their own search. The story highlights the bravery and resilience of adoptees and the impact that accepting and supportive family members can have on their journey.

Search Angel Jennifer McClure helps guide her through the journey. 

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Cheryl shares her unique story of being in and out of foster care and finding stability with her adoptive parents. She discovered her love for music and became a piano teacher and composer. 

After years of not having a desire to find her birth father, Cheryl decided to take a DNA test and found a 100% match with a parent-child relationship. Lana, her search angel, helped her navigate the process and confirm the identity of her father. They discuss the importance of DNA testing and the emotional journey of discovering family. Cheryl, with the help of Lana, was able to find her biological father through DNA testing and genealogical research. She wrote a letter to her father, expressing her desire to meet him and learn about her medical history. After a few weeks, Cheryl received a voicemail from her father on Christmas Day, confirming that he is her biological father. 

Cheryl and her father have since formed a relationship and have been creating new memories together. Cheryl advises others considering DNA testing to know themselves first and be prepared for the possibility of rejection. She has also used her music to give back to the adoption community by donating all her royalties to help families with adoption expenses.

Find Cheryl's music on all streaming platforms, here's a link to her song Little Girl on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/track/7IjUCopa2Wut6aKX1jJdCf?si=08124af7318d42c9

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Summary

Gladys and Vicki, both adopted, took DNA tests and discovered they were half-sisters. They connected through social media and enlisted the help of search angels Susan Barrett and Janet Travis. Janet used DNA results to confirm their relationship as half-siblings. They also found their father's side of the family and connected with their aunt and siblings. Vicki found her mother through hints from her father's sister and Janet's assistance. Gladys found her mother through DNA matches and Janet's guidance. They've gotten to meet in person and look forward to additional visits. 

Gladys and Vicki share their experiences of searching for their biological families and the joy of finding each other. They discuss the challenges faced by adoptees and the emotional impact of discovering their roots. The conversation highlights the importance of support and understanding during the search process. The guests emphasize the power of knowledge and the empowerment that comes from finding one's biological family. They also express gratitude for the connections they have made and the love they have found within their newfound family.

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After a heated argument with her mother, McKinnsey learns the man who has raised her isn't her biological father.  Turning to DNA for answers,  she discovers a man named Lewis, who is her closest DNA match. With the help of Genetic Genealogist Dawn and Search Angel Tina, they uncover that Lewis is McKinnsey's grandfather and that her biological father is a son that Lewis doesn't know he has. 

They narrow down the possibilities and find Nancy, Lewis's ex-girlfriend, who had four sons. Through further research and DNA analysis, they determine that one of Nancy's sons, born before she got married, is McKinnsey's father. The team uses AncestryDNA and 23andMe to find matches and build out the family tree. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the process of finding a biological father through DNA testing and genealogy research. They share their experiences and provide advice for others in similar situations. The conversation highlights the importance of finding biological parents for health history and personal identity. The hosts also emphasize the need for sensitivity and caution when reaching out to potential biological relatives. The episode concludes with a message of love and gratitude for the support received throughout the journey.

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Katha found perplexing results after a DNA test to determine Native American heritage gave her far more than she was expecting.  Search Angel Susan Barrett assists Katha and they explore the impact of learning the truth about one's identity and the challenges faced by adoptees as they search for answers.  

Katha's positive attitude and incredible resilience as she traverses the journey to finding her biological family are truly inspiring.  

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In 1964, four-year-old Craig took a trip to New Orleans with his family. After a failed adoption attempt, he was taken to Florida to find a new family. Craig ended up living with a pastor's son's family and was later adopted by them. Years later, Craig, and his wife Susan, embarked on a journey to uncover his biological family. With the help of a search angel and DNA testing, they were able to find Craig's sisters and learn more about his origins. Craig Howell shares his experience of discovering his true biological identity and the emotional journey that accompanied it. Janet Rinardo Travis and Lynette Bryan assisted Craig in uncovering his birth records and connecting with his biological family. They discuss the significance of finding one's true identity and the importance of having support throughout the process. Craig also emphasizes the value of factual information and the power of genetics in understanding oneself. The conversation highlights the need for compassion and understanding when dealing with sensitive and complex family histories.

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Stacy, an adoptee, shares her journey of searching for her birth parents. She started her search at a young age and had minimal information about her birth parents. With the help of DNA testing and search angels, she was able to find her birth mother and gather a little more information about her birth father. The search was challenging due to the limited number of African-American matches and the few family trees shared by her matches. However, through perseverance and collaboration, they were able to narrow down potential family lines. Stacy also discovered that she was not a product of assault as once thought, but rather a result of a college romance. Despite not having a close relationship with her birth mother, Stacy found closure through her search. Stacy and Jamie share their incredible journey of finding Stacy's biological father through DNA testing and the help of search angels. They emphasize the importance of perseverance and seeking help in the search process. Stacy's reunion with her biological father and half-siblings is a heartwarming moment that showcases the power of DNA testing and the impact it can have on one's identity. The conversation also highlights the role of support networks and the need for caution and patience when making contact with newfound relatives.

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