Adoption Story: Woman Finds Biological Family and Sister Through DNA Testing and Prior Connection
A woman adopted from the Dominican Republic and raised in Connecticut, has located her biological family and discovered a previously known acquaintance is her biological sister. The initial adoption was facilitated by her biological parents, Julianna (mother) and father, due to economic circumstances.
Initial Encounter and Discrepancy
In 2013, at age 24, while working in a New Haven restaurant, the individual met a co-worker named Julia, then 23. Both women were adopted from the Dominican Republic. A physical resemblance between them was noted by others. Upon comparing adoption paperwork, discrepancies were found in their listed birth mother's names and birth locations, leading them to conclude at the time that they were not biologically related. They maintained contact after their employment ended.
Discovery of Biological Family
In 2018, the individual received a 23andMe DNA test kit. The results identified a first cousin once-removed residing in Connecticut. The cousin's profile indicated a willingness to assist adopted individuals from the Dominican Republic in locating biological family. Contact with this cousin led to the identification of the biological father as living and the biological mother as deceased. Multiple biological siblings were also identified. In March 2019, the individual traveled to the Dominican Republic to meet the biological father and siblings. Initial conversations with the father indicated that he and the biological mother had frequently thought of her.
Uncovering the Sibling Connection
Approximately one year later, the individual received a message from Molly, another adoptee from the Dominican Republic, whose adoption paperwork listed the same birth mother's name. A subsequent DNA test confirmed that Molly was not a full sibling. However, this interaction prompted the individual to re-evaluate the potential biological connection with Julia.
Upon inquiry, the biological father confirmed that he and the biological mother had given another daughter for adoption, whose description matched Julia. The individual, who had remained in contact with Julia despite a relocation from Connecticut to Virginia, then convinced Julia to undergo DNA testing.
In January 2021, two and a half weeks after the test, DNA results confirmed that the individual and Julia were biological sisters. They met two weeks following this confirmation.
Subsequent Reunions and Current Status
In October 2022, both sisters traveled together to the Dominican Republic to meet their extended biological family. The family members were present at the airport upon their arrival, wearing T-shirts featuring pictures of the sisters. The father embraced Julia upon her arrival.
Currently, Julia resides in California, and the individual resides in Virginia. They maintain regular contact through video calls. The circumstances of their reunion are attributed to a combination of coincidence and genetic testing.